Substituted 1,1,3,1-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazoles as mglur4 allosteric potentiators, compositions, and methods of treating neurological dysfunction

ABSTRACT

Compounds useful as allosteric potentiators/positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4) and methods of using the compounds.

BACKGROUND

The amino acid L-glutamate (referred to herein simply as glutamate) is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Within the CNS, glutamate plays a key role in synaptic plasticity (e.g., long term potentiation (the basis of learning and memory)), motor control and sensory perception. It is now well understood that a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including, but not limited to, schizophrenia general psychosis and cognitive deficits, are associated with dysfunctions in the glutamatergic system. Thus, modulation of the glutamatergic system is an important therapeutic goal. Glutamate acts through two distinct receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. The first class, the ionotropic glutamate receptors, is comprised of multi-subunit ligand-gated ion channels that mediate excitatory post-synaptic currents. Three subtypes of ionotropic glutamate receptors have been identified, and despite glutamate serving as agonist for all three receptor subtypes, selective ligands have been discovered that activate each subtype. The ionotropic glutamate receptors are named after their respective selective ligands: kainate receptors, AMPA receptors and NMDA receptors.

The second class of glutamate receptor, termed metabotropic glutamate receptors, (mGluRs), are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that modulate neurotransmitter release or the strength of synaptic transmission, based on their location (pre- or post-synaptic). The mGluRs are family C GPCR, characterized by a large (˜560 amino acid) “venus fly trap” agonist binding domain in the amino-terminal domain of the receptor. This unique agonist binding domain distinguishes family C GPCRs from family A and B GPCRs wherein the agonist binding domains are located within the 7-strand transmembrane spanning (7™) region or within the extracellular loops that connect the strands to this region. To date, eight distinct mGluRs have been identified, cloned and sequenced. Based on structural similarity, primary coupling to intracellular signaling pathways and pharmacology, the mGluRs have been assigned to three groups: Group I (mGluR1 and mGluR5), Group II (mGluR2 and mGluR3) and Group III (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7 and mGluR8). Group I mGluRs are coupled through Gαq/11 to increase inositol phosphate and metabolism and resultant increases in intracellular calcium. Group I mGluRs are primarily located post-synaptically and have a modualtory effect on ion channel activity and neuronal excitability. Group II (mGluR2 and mGluR3) and Group III (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7 and mGluR8) mGluRs are primarily located pre-synaptically where they regulate the release of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate. Group II and Group III mGluRs are coupled to Gαi and its associated effectors such as adenylate cyclase.

mGluR4 belongs to the group III mGluR subfamily and is located in predominantly presynaptic locations in the central nervous system (Benitez et al., 2000; Bradley et al., 1996; Bradley et al., 1999; Mateos et al., 1998; Phillips et al., 1997) where it is functions as an auto- and heteroreceptor to regulate the release of both GABA and glutamate. mGluR4 has also been shown to be expressed at a low level in some postsynaptic locations (Benitez et al., 2000). Numerous reports indicate that mGluR4 is expressed in most brain regions, particularly in neurons known to play key roles in functions of the basal ganglia (Bradley et al., 1999; Corti et al., 2002; Kuramoto et al., 2007; Marino et al., 2003a), learning and memory (Bradley et al., 1996), vision (Akazawa et al., 1994; Koulen et al., 1996; Quraishi et al., 2007), cerebellar functions (Makoff et al., 1996), feeding and the regulation of hypothalamic hormones (Flor et al., 1995), sleep and wakefulness (Noriega et al., 2007) as well as many others. There are now a number of literature reports describing a role for mGluR4 modulation in Parkinson's disease (Battaglia et al., 2006; Lopez et al., 2007; Marino et al., 2005; Marino et al., 2003b; Ossowska et al., 2007; Valenti et al., 2003), anxiety (Stachowicz et al., 2006; Stachowicz et al., 2004), motor effects after alcohol consumption (Blednov et al., 2004), neurogenic fate commitment and neuronal survival (Saxe et al., 2007), epilepsy (Chapman et al., 2001; Pitsch et al., 2007; Snead et al., 2000; Wang et al., 2005) and cancer, particularly medulloblastoma (Iacovelli et al., 2004).

In addition, there is evidence that activation of mGluR4 receptors (expressed in islets of Langerhans) would inhibit glucagon secretion (Uehara et al., 2004). Thus, activation of mGluR4 may be an effective treatment for disorders involving defects in glucose metabolism such ashypoglycemia, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Also, there are reports that activation of Group III mGluRs, specifically mGluR4, may be an effective treatment for neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and related disorders (Besong et al., 2002).

There are two variants of the mGluR4 receptor which are expressed in taste tissues; and thus activation of mGluR4 may be used as taste enhancers, blockade of certain tastes, or taste agents, flavoring agents or other food additives (Kurihara, 2009; Chaudhari et al, 2009).

Despite advances in mGluR4 research, there is still a scarcity of compounds that effectively potentiate mGluR4 which are also effective in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamatergic neurotransmission dysfunction and diseases, as well as inflammatory central nervous system disorders, medulloblastomas, metabolic disorders and taste enhancing associated with glutamatergic dysfunction and diseases in which mGluR4 receptor is involved. Further, conventional mGluR4 receptor modulators typically lack satisfactory aqueous solubility and exhibit poor oral bioavailability. These needs and other needs are satisfied by the present invention.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to compounds useful as allosteric modulators of mGluR4 receptor activity, methods of making same, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction, for example Parkinson's disease, using same. Further disclosed are methods and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating a disease related to mGluR4 activity. In one aspect, the disclosed compounds can affect the sensitivity of mGluR4 receptors to agonists without binding to the orthosteric agonist binding site or acting as orthosteric agonists themselves.

Disclosed are methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction or other disease state associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by the following formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

Also disclosed are methods for potentiating mGluR4 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject at least one compound at least one compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in a dosage and amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the subject.

Also disclosed are methods of potentiating mGluR4 activity in at least one cell comprising the step of contacting at least one cell with at least one compound having a structure represented by the following formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in an amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the at least one cell.

Also disclosed are compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₋₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when all of R and R³ are hydrogen and Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

Also disclosed are compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when all of R are hydrogen, and either R³ is hydrogen or Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

Also disclosed are compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when all of R are hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

Also disclosed are compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when R³ is hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

Also disclosed are compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

Also disclosed are compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Also disclosed are methods for potentiating mGluR4 activity in at least one cell comprising the step of contacting at least one cell with at least one disclosed compound in an amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in at least one cell.

Also disclosed are methods for potentiating mGluR4 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one disclosed compound in a dosage and amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the subject.

Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of a disorder associated with mGluR4 neurotransmission dysfunction or other mGluR4 mediated disease states in a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal at least one disclosed compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the mammal.

Also disclosed are methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; and wherein each X is independently a leaving group, and combining the product of the reaction step with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Also disclosed are methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, and reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; and wherein each X is independently a leaving group, wherein the product of the reaction step is a disclosed compound.

Also disclosed are methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24, reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein X is hydroxyl or a leaving group; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, and combining the product of the reaction step with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Also disclosed are methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24, reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein X is hydroxyl or a leaving group; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, wherein the product of the reaction step is a disclosed compound.

Also disclosed are the products of the disclosed methods of making.

Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of a medicament for potentiating mGluR4 receptor activity in a mammal comprising combining a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Also disclosed are the products of the disclosed methods for the manufacture of a medicament.

Also disclosed are uses of a compound for potentiating mGluR4 receptor activity in a mammal, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a drug having a known side-effect of increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity.

Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a drug known to treat a disorder associated with increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity.

Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a drug known to treat the neurotransmission dysfunction.

Also disclosed are kits comprising a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, and one or more of a drug having a known side-effect of increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, a drug known to treat a disorder associated with increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, and/or a drug known to treat the neurotransmission dysfunction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a graph showing intraperitoneal pharmacokinetics of a compound of the present invention in male SD rats.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing intraperitoneal pharmacokinetics of a compound of the present invention in male SD rats (N=3); Formulation: 10% tween 80 microsuspension; Dose: 10 mg/kg; Time points: 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h & 8 h; data are summarized in Table 1 and Table 2.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing intraperitoneal pharmacokinetics of a compound of the present invention in male SD rats (˜300 g); Dose:10 mg/kg, ip; Time points: 0.5 h, 1 h & 8 h (n=3); data are summarized in Table 1 and Table 2.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing intraperitoneal pharmacokinetics of a compound of the present invention in male SD rats (˜300 g); Dose:10 mg/kg, ip; Time points: 0.5 h, 1 h & 8 h (n=3); data are summarized in Table 1 and Table 2.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the Examples included therein.

Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which need to be independently confirmed.

A. DEFINITIONS

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a functional group,” “an alkyl,” or “a residue” includes mixtures of two or more such functional groups, alkyls, or residues, and the like.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, a further aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or can not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “receptor positive allosteric modulator” refers to any exogenously administered compound or agent that directly or indirectly augments the activity of the receptor in the presence or in the absence of the endogenous ligand (such as glutamate) in an animal, in particular a mammal, for example a human. The term “receptor positive allosteric modulator” includes a compound that is a “receptor allosteric potentiator” or a “receptor allosteric agonist,” as well as a compound that has mixed activity as both a “receptor allosteric potentiator” and an “mGluR receptor allosteric agonist.”

As used herein, the term “receptor allosteric potentiator” refers to any exogenously administered compound or agent that directly or indirectly augments the response produced by the endogenous ligand (such as glutamate) when it binds to an allosteric site of the receptor in an animal, in particular a mammal, for example a human. The receptor allosteric potentiator binds to a site other than the orthosteric site (an allosteric site) and positively augments the response of the receptor to an agonist. Because it does not induce desensitization of the receptor, activity of a compound as a receptor allosteric potentiator provides advantages over the use of a pure receptor allosteric agonist. Such advantages can include, for example, increased safety margin, higher tolerability, diminished potential for abuse, and reduced toxicity.

As used herein, the term “receptor allosteric agonist” refers to any exogenously administered compound or agent that directly augments the activity of the receptor in the absence of the endogenous ligand (such as glutamate) in an animal, in particular a mammal, for example a human. The receptor allosteric agonist binds to the allosteric glutamate site of the receptor and directly influences the orthosteric site of the receptor.

As used herein, the term “subject” refers to a target of administration. The subject of the herein disclosed methods can be a vertebrate, such as a mammal, a fish, a bird, a reptile, or an amphibian. Thus, the subject of the herein disclosed methods can be a human, non-human primate, horse, pig, rabbit, dog, sheep, goat, cow, cat, guinea pig or rodent. The term does not denote a particular age or sex. Thus, adult and newborn subjects, as well as fetuses, whether male or female, are intended to be covered. A patient refers to a subject afflicted with a disease or disorder. The term “patient” includes human and veterinary subjects.

In some aspects of the disclosed methods, the subject has been diagnosed with a need for treatment of one or more neurological and/or psychiatric disorder and/or any other disease state associated with glutamate dysfunction prior to the administering step. In some aspects of the disclosed method, the subject has been diagnosed with a need for potentiation of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity prior to the administering step. In some aspects of the disclosed method, the subject has been diagnosed with a need for partial agonism of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity prior to the administering step. In some aspects, the disclosed methods can further comprise a step of identifying a subject having a need for treatment of a disclosed disorder.

As used herein, the term “treatment” refers to the medical management of a patient with the intent to cure, ameliorate, stabilize, or prevent a disease, pathological condition, or disorder. This term includes active treatment, that is, treatment directed specifically toward the improvement of a disease, pathological condition, or disorder, and also includes causal treatment, that is, treatment directed toward removal of the cause of the associated disease, pathological condition, or disorder. In addition, this term includes palliative treatment, that is, treatment designed for the relief of symptoms rather than the curing of the disease, pathological condition, or disorder; preventative treatment, that is, treatment directed to minimizing or partially or completely inhibiting the development of the associated disease, pathological condition, or disorder; and supportive treatment, that is, treatment employed to supplement another specific therapy directed toward the improvement of the associated disease, pathological condition, or disorder.

As used herein, the term “prevent” or “preventing” refers to precluding, averting, obviating, forestalling, stopping, or hindering something from happening, especially by advance action. It is understood that where reduce, inhibit or prevent are used herein, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the use of the other two words is also expressly disclosed.

As used herein, the term “diagnosed” means having been subjected to a physical examination by a person of skill, for example, a physician, and found to have a condition that can be diagnosed or treated by the compounds, compositions, or methods disclosed herein. For example, “diagnosed with a disorder treatable by potentiation of mGluR4 activity” means having been subjected to a physical examination by a person of skill, for example, a physician, and found to have a condition that can be diagnosed or treated by a compound or composition that can favorably potentiate mGluR4 activity. As a further example, “diagnosed with a need for potentiation of mGluR4 activity” refers to having been subjected to a physical examination by a person of skill, for example, a physician, and found to have a condition characterized by abnormal mGluR4 activity. Such a diagnosis can be in reference to a disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, and the like, as discussed herein.

As used herein, the phrase “identified to be in need of treatment for a disorder,” or the like, refers to selection of a subject based upon need for treatment of the disorder. For example, a subject can be identified as having a need for treatment of a disorder (e.g., a disorder related to mGluR4 activity) based upon an earlier diagnosis by a person of skill and thereafter subjected to treatment for the disorder. It is contemplated that the identification can, in one aspect, be performed by a person different from the person making the diagnosis. It is also contemplated, in a further aspect, that the administration can be performed by one who subsequently performed the administration.

As used herein, the term “diagnosed with a need for potentiation of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity” refers to having been subjected to a physical examination by a person of skill, for example, a physician, and found to have a condition that can be diagnosed or treated by potentiation of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity.

As used herein, “diagnosed with a need for partial agonism of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity” means having been subjected to a physical examination by a person of skill, for example, a physician, and found to have a condition that can be diagnosed or treated by partial agonism of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity.

As used herein, “diagnosed with a need for treatment of one or more neurological and/or psychiatric disorder or any other disease state associated with glutamate dysfunction” means having been subjected to a physical examination by a person of skill, for example, a physician, and found to have one or more neurological and/or psychiatric disorder associated with glutamate dysfunction.

As used herein, the terms “administering” and “administration” refer to any method of providing a pharmaceutical preparation to a subject. Such methods are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, oral administration, transdermal administration, administration by inhalation, nasal administration, topical administration, intravaginal administration, ophthalmic administration, intraaural administration, intracerebral administration, rectal administration, and parenteral administration, including injectable such as intravenous administration, intra-arterial administration, intramuscular administration, and subcutaneous administration. Administration can be continuous or intermittent. In various aspects, a preparation can be administered therapeutically; that is, administered to treat an existing disease or condition. In further various aspects, a preparation can be administered prophylactically; that is, administered for prevention of a disease or condition.

As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to an amount that is sufficient to achieve the desired result or to have an effect on an undesired condition. For example, a “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount that is sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic result or to have an effect on undesired symptoms, but is generally insufficient to cause adverse side affects. The specific therapeutically effective dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration; the route of administration; the rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed and like factors well known in the medical arts. For example, it is well within the skill of the art to start doses of a compound at levels lower than those required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and to gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. If desired, the effective daily dose can be divided into multiple doses for purposes of administration. Consequently, single dose compositions can contain such amounts or submultiples thereof to make up the daily dose. The dosage can be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of any contraindications. Dosage can vary, and can be administered in one or more dose administrations daily, for one or several days. Guidance can be found in the literature for appropriate dosages for given classes of pharmaceutical products. In further various aspects, a preparation can be administered in a “prophylactically effective amount”; that is, an amount effective for prevention of a disease or condition.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions, as well as sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions just prior to use. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and the like), carboxymethylcellulose and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive oil) and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions and by the use of surfactants. These compositions can also contain adjuvants such as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents and dispersing agents. Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be ensured by the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agents such as paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid and the like. It can also be desirable to include isotonic agents such as sugars, sodium chloride and the like. Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the inclusion of agents, such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin, which delay absorption. Injectable depot forms are made by forming microencapsule matrices of the drug in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide, poly(orthoesters) and poly(anhydrides). Depending upon the ratio of drug to polymer and the nature of the particular polymer employed, the rate of drug release can be controlled. Depot injectable formulations are also prepared by entrapping the drug in liposomes or microemulsions which are compatible with body tissues. The injectable formulations can be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacterial-retaining filter or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectable media just prior to use. Suitable inert carriers can include sugars such as lactose. Desirably, at least 95% by weight of the particles of the active ingredient have an effective particle size in the range of 0.01 to 10 micrometers.

A residue of a chemical species, as used in the specification and concluding claims, refers to the moiety that is the resulting product of the chemical species in a particular reaction scheme or subsequent formulation or chemical product, regardless of whether the moiety is actually obtained from the chemical species. Thus, an ethylene glycol residue in a polyester refers to one or more —OCH₂CH₂O— units in the polyester, regardless of whether ethylene glycol was used to prepare the polyester. Similarly, a sebacic acid residue in a polyester refers to one or more —CO(CH₂)₈CO— moieties in the polyester, regardless of whether the residue is obtained by reacting sebacic acid or an ester thereof to obtain the polyester.

As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, and aromatic and nonaromatic substituents of organic compounds. Illustrative substituents include, for example, those described below. The permissible substituents can be one or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds. For purposes of this disclosure, the heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, can have hydrogen substituents and/or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein which satisfy the valences of the heteroatoms. This disclosure is not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissible substituents of organic compounds. Also, the terms “substitution” or “substituted with” include the implicit proviso that such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of the substituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound that does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc.

In defining various terms, “A¹,” “A²,” “A³,” and “A⁴” are used herein as generic symbols to represent various specific substituents. These symbols can be any substituent, not limited to those disclosed herein, and when they are defined to be certain substituents in one instance, they can, in another instance, be defined as some other substituents.

The term “alkyl” as used herein is a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon group of 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, s-pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, eicosyl, tetracosyl, and the like. The alkyl group can be cyclic or acyclic. The alkyl group can be branched or unbranched. The alkyl group can also be substituted or unsubstituted. For example, the alkyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, ether, halide, hydroxy, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol, as described herein. A “lower alkyl” group is an alkyl group containing from one to six (e.g., from one to four) carbon atoms. One example of “alkyl” is C₁₋₆ alkyl.

Throughout the specification “alkyl” is generally used to refer to both unsubstituted alkyl groups and substituted alkyl groups; however, substituted alkyl groups are also specifically referred to herein by identifying the specific substituent(s) on the alkyl group. For example, the term “halogenated alkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more halide, e.g., fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. The term “alkoxyalkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more alkoxy groups, as described below. The term “alkylamino” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more amino groups, as described below, and the like. When “alkyl” is used in one instance and a specific term such as “alkylalcohol” is used in another, it is not meant to imply that the term “alkyl” does not also refer to specific terms such as “alkylalcohol” and the like.

This practice is also used for other groups described herein. That is, while a term such as “cycloalkyl” refers to both unsubstituted and substituted cycloalkyl moieties, the substituted moieties can, in addition, be specifically identified herein; for example, a particular substituted cycloalkyl can be referred to as, e.g., an “alkylcycloalkyl.” Similarly, a substituted alkoxy can be specifically referred to as, e.g., a “halogenated alkoxy,” a particular substituted alkenyl can be, e.g., an “alkenylalcohol,” and the like. Again, the practice of using a general term, such as “cycloalkyl,” and a specific term, such as “alkylcycloalkyl,” is not meant to imply that the general term does not also include the specific term.

The term “cycloalkyl” as used herein is a non-aromatic carbon-based ring composed of at least three carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl, and the like. The term “heterocycloalkyl” is a type of cycloalkyl group as defined above, and is included within the meaning of the term “cycloalkyl,” where at least one of the carbon atoms of the ring is replaced with a heteroatom such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorus. The cycloalkyl group and heterocycloalkyl group can be substituted or unsubstituted. The cycloalkyl group and heterocycloalkyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, ether, halide, hydroxy, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol as described herein.

The term “polyalkylene group” as used herein is a group having two or more CH₂ groups linked to one another. The polyalkylene group can be represented by a formula —(CH₂)_(a)—, where “a” is an integer of from 2 to 500.

The terms “alkoxy” and “alkoxyl” as used herein to refer to an alkyl or cycloalkyl group bonded through an ether linkage; that is, an “alkoxy” group can be defined as —OA¹ where A¹ is alkyl or cycloalkyl as defined above. “Alkoxy” also includes polymers of alkoxy groups as just described; that is, an alkoxy can be a polyether such as —OA¹-OA² or —OA¹-(OA²)_(a)-OA³, where “a” is an integer of from 1 to 200 and A¹, A², and A³ are alkyl and/or cycloalkyl groups.

The term “alkenyl” as used herein is a hydrocarbon group of from 2 to 24 carbon atoms with a structural formula containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Asymmetric structures such as (A¹A²)C═C(A³A⁴) are intended to include both the E and Z isomers. This can be presumed in structural formulae herein wherein an asymmetric alkene is present, or it can be explicitly indicated by the bond symbol C═C. The alkenyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aldehyde, amino, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxy, ketone, azide, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol, as described herein.

The term “cycloalkenyl” as used herein is a non-aromatic carbon-based ring composed of at least three carbon atoms and containing at least one carbon-carbon double bound, i.e., C═C. Examples of cycloalkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, norbornenyl, and the like. The term “heterocycloalkenyl” is a type of cycloalkenyl group as defined above, and is included within the meaning of the term “cycloalkenyl,” where at least one of the carbon atoms of the ring is replaced with a heteroatom such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorus. The cycloalkenyl group and heterocycloalkenyl group can be substituted or unsubstituted. The cycloalkenyl group and heterocycloalkenyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aldehyde, amino, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxy, ketone, azide, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol as described herein.

The term “alkynyl” as used herein is a hydrocarbon group of 2 to 24 carbon atoms with a structural formula containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. The alkynyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aldehyde, amino, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxy, ketone, azide, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol, as described herein.

The term “cycloalkynyl” as used herein is a non-aromatic carbon-based ring composed of at least seven carbon atoms and containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bound. Examples of cycloalkynyl groups include, but are not limited to, cycloheptynyl, cyclooctynyl, cyclononynyl, and the like. The term “heterocycloalkynyl” is a type of cycloalkenyl group as defined above, and is included within the meaning of the term “cycloalkynyl,” where at least one of the carbon atoms of the ring is replaced with a heteroatom such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorus. The cycloalkynyl group and heterocycloalkynyl group can be substituted or unsubstituted. The cycloalkynyl group and heterocycloalkynyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aldehyde, amino, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxy, ketone, azide, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol as described herein.

The term “aryl” as used herein is a group that contains any carbon-based aromatic group including, but not limited to, benzene, naphthalene, phenyl, biphenyl, phenoxybenzene, and the like. The term “aryl” also includes “heteroaryl,” which is defined as a group that contains an aromatic group that has at least one heteroatom incorporated within the ring of the aromatic group. Examples of heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Likewise, the term “non-heteroaryl,” which is also included in the term “aryl,” defines a group that contains an aromatic group that does not contain a heteroatom. The aryl group can be substituted or unsubstituted. The aryl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aldehyde, amino, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, halide, hydroxy, ketone, azide, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol as described herein. The term “biaryl” is a specific type of aryl group and is included in the definition of “aryl.” Biaryl refers to two aryl groups that are bound together via a fused ring structure, as in naphthalene, or are attached via one or more carbon-carbon bonds, as in biphenyl.

The term “aldehyde” as used herein is represented by a formula —C(O)H. Throughout this specification “C(O)” is a short hand notation for a carbonyl group, i.e., C═O.

The terms “amine” or “amino” as used herein are represented by a formula NA¹A²A³, where A¹, A², and A³ can be, independently, hydrogen or optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein.

The term “carboxylic acid” as used herein is represented by a formula —C(O)OH.

The term “ester” as used herein is represented by a formula —OC(O)A¹ or —C(O)OA¹, where A¹ can be an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein. The term “polyester” as used herein is represented by a formula -(A¹O(O)C-A²-C(O)O)_(a)— or -(A¹O(O)C-A²-OC(O))_(a)—, where A¹ and A² can be, independently, an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group described herein and “a” is an integer from 1 to 500. “Polyester” is as the term used to describe a group that is produced by the reaction between a compound having at least two carboxylic acid groups with a compound having at least two hydroxyl groups.

The term “ether” as used herein is represented by a formula A¹OA², where A¹ and A² can be, independently, an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group described herein. The term “polyether” as used herein is represented by a formula -(A¹O-A²O)_(a)—, where A¹ and A² can be, independently, an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group described herein and “a” is an integer of from 1 to 500. Examples of polyether groups include polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, and polybutylene oxide.

The term “halide” as used herein refers to the halogens fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.

The term “heterocycle,” as used herein refers to single and multi-cyclic aromatic or non-aromatic ring systems in which at least one of the ring members is other than carbon. Heterocycle includes pyridinde, pyrimidine, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, isoxazole, isothiazole, pyrazole, oxazole, thiazole, imidazole, oxazole, including, 1,2,3-oxadiazole, 1,2,5-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole, thiadiazole, including, 1,2,3-thiadiazole, 1,2,5-thiadiazole, and 1,3,4-thiadiazole, triazole, including, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,3,4-triazole, tetrazole, including 1,2,3,4-tetrazole and 1,2,4,5-tetrazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazine, including 1,2,4-triazine and 1,3,5-triazine, tetrazine, including 1,2,4,5-tetrazine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, azetidine, tetrahydropyran, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and the like.

The term “hydroxyl” as used herein is represented by a formula —OH.

The term “ketone” as used herein is represented by a formula A¹C(O)A², where A¹ and A² can be, independently, an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein.

The term “azide” as used herein is represented by a formula —N₃.

The term “nitro” as used herein is represented by a formula —NO₂.

The term “nitrile” as used herein is represented by a formula —CN.

The term “silyl” as used herein is represented by a formula —SiA¹A²A³, where A¹, A², and A³ can be, independently, hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein.

The term “sulfo-oxo” as used herein is represented by a formulas —S(O)A¹, —S(O)₂A¹, —OS(O)₂A¹, or —OS(O)₂OA¹, where A¹ can be hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein. Throughout this specification “S(O)” is a short hand notation for S═O. The term “sulfonyl” is used herein to refer to the sulfo-oxo group represented by a formula —S(O)₂A¹, where A¹ can be hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein. The term “sulfone” as used herein is represented by a formula A¹S(O)₂A², where A¹ and A² can be, independently, an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein. The term “sulfoxide” as used herein is represented by a formula A¹S(O)A², where A¹ and A² can be, independently, an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein.

The term “thiol” as used herein is represented by a formula —SH.

The term “organic residue” defines a carbon containing residue, i.e., a residue comprising at least one carbon atom, and includes but is not limited to the carbon-containing groups, residues, or radicals defined hereinabove. Organic residues can contain various heteroatoms, or be bonded to another molecule through a heteroatom, including oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, or the like. Examples of organic residues include but are not limited alkyl or substituted alkyls, alkoxy or substituted alkoxy, mono or di-substituted amino, amide groups, etc. Organic residues can preferably comprise 1 to 18 carbon atoms, 1 to 15, carbon atoms, 1 to 12 carbon atoms, 1 to 8 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In a further aspect, an organic residue can comprise 2 to 18 carbon atoms, 2 to 15, carbon atoms, 2 to 12 carbon atoms, 2 to 8 carbon atoms, 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or 2 to 4 carbon atoms

A very close synonym of the term “residue” is the term “radical,” which as used in the specification and concluding claims, refers to a fragment, group, or substructure of a molecule described herein, regardless of how the molecule is prepared. For example, a 2,4-thiazolidinedione radical in a particular compound has the structure

regardless of whether thiazolidinedione is used to prepare the compound. In some aspects the radical (for example an alkyl) can be further modified (i.e., substituted alkyl) by having bonded thereto one or more “substituent radicals.” The number of atoms in a given radical is not critical to the present invention unless it is indicated to the contrary elsewhere herein.

“Organic radicals,” as the term is defined and used herein, contain one or more carbon atoms. An organic radical can have, for example, 1-26 carbon atoms, 1-18 carbon atoms, 1-12 carbon atoms, 1-8 carbon atoms, 1-6 carbon atoms, or 1-4 carbon atoms. In a further aspect, an organic radical can have 2-26 carbon atoms, 2-18 carbon atoms, 2-12 carbon atoms, 2-8 carbon atoms, 2-6 carbon atoms, or 2-4 carbon atoms. Organic radicals often have hydrogen bound to at least some of the carbon atoms of the organic radical. One example, of an organic radical that comprises no inorganic atoms is a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthyl radical. In some aspects, an organic radical can contain 1-10 inorganic heteroatoms bound thereto or therein, including halogens, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and the like. Examples of organic radicals include but are not limited to an alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, mono-substituted amino, di-substituted amino, acyloxy, cyano, carboxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, substituted alkylcarboxamide, dialkylcarboxamide, substituted dialkylcarboxamide, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, thioalkyl, thiohaloalkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, or substituted heterocyclic radicals, wherein the terms are defined elsewhere herein. A few non-limiting examples of organic radicals that include heteroatoms include alkoxy radicals, trifluoromethoxy radicals, acetoxy radicals, dimethylamino radicals and the like.

“Inorganic radicals,” as the term is defined and used herein, contain no carbon atoms and therefore comprise only atoms other than carbon. Inorganic radicals comprise bonded combinations of atoms selected from hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, and halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine, which can be present individually or bonded together in their chemically stable combinations. Inorganic radicals have 10 or fewer, or preferably one to six or one to four inorganic atoms as listed above bonded together. Examples of inorganic radicals include, but not limited to, amino, hydroxy, halogens, nitro, thiol, sulfate, phosphate, and like commonly known inorganic radicals. The inorganic radicals do not have bonded therein the metallic elements of the periodic table (such as the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, lanthanide metals, or actinide metals), although such metal ions can sometimes serve as a pharmaceutically acceptable cation for anionic inorganic radicals such as a sulfate, phosphate, or like anionic inorganic radical. Typically, inorganic radicals do not comprise metalloids elements such as boron, aluminum, gallium, germanium, arsenic, tin, lead, or tellurium, or the noble gas elements, unless otherwise specifically indicated elsewhere herein.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” describes a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, i.e., without causing an unacceptable level of undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner.

As used herein, the term “derivative” refers to a compound having a structure derived from the structure of a parent compound (e.g., a compounds disclosed herein) and whose structure is sufficiently similar to those disclosed herein and based upon that similarity, would be expected by one skilled in the art to exhibit the same or similar activities and utilities as the claimed compounds, or to induce, as a precursor, the same or similar activities and utilities as the claimed compounds. Exemplary derivatives include salts, esters, amides, salts of esters or amides, and N-oxides of a parent compound.

The term “hydrolysable residue” is meant to refer to a functional group capable of undergoing hydrolysis, e.g., under basic or acidic conditions. Examples of hydrolysable residues include, without limitation, residues of acid halides or activated carboxylic acids, residues of trialkylsilyl halides, residues of alkyloxymethyl halides, and various other protecting groups known in the art (see, for example, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis,” T. W. Greene, P. G. M. Wuts, Wiley-Interscience, 1999).

The term “leaving group” refers to an atom (or a group of atoms) with electron withdrawing ability that can be displaced as a stable species, taking with it the bonding electrons. Examples of suitable leaving groups include sulfonate esters, including, but not limited to, triflate, mesylate, tosylate, brosylate, and halides.

Compounds described herein can contain one or more double bonds and, thus, potentially give rise to cis/trans (E/Z) isomers, as well as other conformational isomers. Unless stated to the contrary, the invention includes all such possible isomers, as well as mixtures of such isomers.

Unless stated to the contrary, a formula with chemical bonds shown only as solid lines and not as wedges or dashed lines contemplates each possible isomer, e.g., each enantiomer and diastereomer, and a mixture of isomers, such as a racemic or scalemic mixture. Compounds described herein can contain one or more asymmetric centers and, thus, potentially give rise to diastereomers and optical isomers. Unless stated to the contrary, the present invention includes all such possible diastereomers as well as their racemic mixtures, their substantially pure resolved enantiomers, all possible geometric isomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Mixtures of stereoisomers, as well as isolated specific stereoisomers, are also included. During the course of the synthetic procedures used to prepare such compounds, or in using racemization or epimerization procedures known to those skilled in the art, the products of such procedures can be a mixture of stereoisomers.

In some aspects, a structure of a compound can be represented by a formula:

which is understood to be equivalent to a formula:

wherein n is typically an integer. That is, R^(n) is understood to represent five independent substituents, R^(n(a)), R^(n(b)), R^(n(c)), R^(n(d)), R^(n(e)). By “independent substituents,” it is meant that each R substituent can be independently defined. For example, if in one instance R^(n(a)) is halogen, then R^(n(b)) is not necessarily halogen in that instance. Likewise, when a group R is defined as four substituents, R is understood to represent four independent substituents, R^(a), R^(b), R^(e), and R^(d). Unless indicated to the contrary, the substituents are not limited to any particular order or arrangement.

The following abbreviations are used herein. DMP dimethyl formamide. EtOAc: ethyl acetate. THF: tetrahydrofuran. DIPEA or DIEA: diisopropylethylamine HOBt: 1-hydroxybenzotriazole. EDC: 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride. DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide. DMAP: 4-Dimethylaminopyridine. RT: Room temperature. h: Hours. Min: Minutes. DCM: Dichloromethane. MeCN: Acetonitrile. MeOH: methanol. iPrOH: 2-Propanol. n-BuOH: 1-Butanol.

Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the compositions of the invention as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these compounds can not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular compound is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to a number of molecules including the compounds are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the compound and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of molecules A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of molecules D, E, and F and an example of a combination molecule, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C—F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the compositions of the invention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the invention.

It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

B. COMPOUNDS

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, useful as potentiators of mGluR4 activity. In general, it is contemplated that each disclosed derivative can be optionally further substituted. It is also contemplated that any one or more derivative can be optionally omitted from the invention. It is understood that a disclosed compound can be provided by the disclosed methods. It is also understood that the disclosed compounds can be employed in the disclosed methods of using. It is also understood that each variable disclosed herein is independent, one from the other, whether explicitly stated or not. For example, the phrase “R¹ and R² are phenyl or halogen” means that R¹ and R² are each independently phenyl or halogen. Likewise, each substituent modified by k, m, n, etc. are all independent one from the other.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when all of R and R³ are hydrogen and Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when all of R are hydrogen, and either R³ is hydrogen or Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when all of R are hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when R³ is hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided when Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, provided Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

In certain aspects, all of R³ are hydrogen. In further aspects, Z can be C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene, heterocyclic, heteroarylene, C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene, or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene. In further aspects, Y can be C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene, heterocyclic, heteroarylene, C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene, or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene. In further aspects, a disclosed compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁶, for example, of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁷, or of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁸.

In certain aspects, the invention relates to a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴.

In certain aspects, the invention relates to a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴; M is NH, CO, or CH₂; and K is NH, CO, CH₂, or cycloalkyl.

In further aspects, the invention relates to a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴; M is CO; and K is NH.

In further aspects, the invention relates to a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴; M is NH; and K is CH or cycloalkyl.

In further aspects, the invention relates to a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴; M is NH and (K)_(n=0).

In further aspects, a compound can have a structure represented by a formula:

In further aspects, a compound can have a structure represented by a formula:

In further aspects, a compound can have a structure represented by a formula:

In further aspects, a compound can have a structure represented by a formula:

In further aspects, a compound can have a structure represented by a formula:

In further aspects, a compound can have a structure represented by a formula:

In further aspects, a compound can have a structure represented by a formula:

In certain aspects, all of R and R³ are hydrogen and Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl. In further aspects, all of R are hydrogen, and either R³ is hydrogen or Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl. In further aspects, all of R are hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl. In further aspects, R³ is hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl. In further aspects, when Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl. In further aspects, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.

In certain aspects, a compound has a structure represented by a formula:

In certain aspects, a compound has a structure represented by a formula:

In certain aspects, a compound has a structure represented by a formula:

In certain aspects, a compound has a structure represented by a formula:

The compounds disclosed herein can include all salt forms, for example, salts of both basic groups, inter alia, amines, as well as salts of acidic groups, inter alia, carboxylic acids. The following are non-limiting examples of anions that can form salts with protonated basic groups: chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, carbonate, bicarbonate, phosphate, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, pyruvate, lactate, oxalate, malonate, maleate, succinate, tartrate, fumarate, citrate, and the like. The following are non-limiting examples of cations that can form salts of acidic groups: ammonium, sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bismuth, lysine, and the like.

1. R Units

In one aspect, R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons. Four independently selected R units are substituted on the 1,3,2-benzodithiazole 1,3-disulphonate ring having the formula:

wherein the ring atom positions are numbered 1-7 for the purposes of defining examples of R unit containing rings.

In one aspect, each R is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, or and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 6 carbons. Non-limiting examples include 4-fluoro, 5-fluoro, 4,6-difluoro, 4,7-difluoro, 5,6-difluoro, 4-chloro, 5-chloro, 4,6-dichloro, 4,7-dichloro, 5,6-dichloro, 4-bromo, 5-bromo, 4,6-dibromo, 4,7-dibromo, 5,6-dibromo, 4-iodo, 5-iodo, 4,6-diiodo, 4,7-diiodo, 5,6-diiodo, 4-trifluormethyl, 5-trifluormethyl, 4,6-ditrifluormethyl, 4,7-ditrifluormethyl, 5,6-ditrifluormethyl, 4-hydroxymethyl, 5-hydroxy-methyl, 4,6-dihydroxymethyl, 4,7-dihydroxymethyl, and 5,6-dihydroxymethyl.

In a further aspect, each R is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl. Non-limiting examples include 4-methyl, 5-methyl, 4,6-dimethyl, 4,7-dimethyl, 5,6-dimethyl, 4-ethyl, 5-ethyl, 4,6-diethyl, 4,7-diethyl, 5,6-diethyl, 4-propyl, 5-propyl, 4,6-dipropyl, 4,7-dipropyl, 5,6-dipropyl, 4-iso-propyl, 5-iso-propyl, 4-butyl, 5-butyl, 4-iso-butyl, 5-iso-butyl, 4-sec-butyl, 5-sec-butyl, 4-tert-butyl, 5-tert-butyl, 4-pentyl, 5-pentyl, 4-benzyl, 5-benzyl, 4,6-dibenzyl, 4,7-dibenzyl, 5,6-dibenzyl, 4-methyl-5-ethyl, 4-methyl-5-ethyl, 4-phenyl, 5-phenyl, 4,6-diphenyl, 4,7-diphenyl, and 5,6-diphenyl.

2. R¹Units

R¹ comprises one or more substituents on a ring having the formula:

wherein each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons. The index m is from 0 to 24 depending upon the number of atoms in ring Z. As such, when m is equal to 0, no R¹ units are present.

In one aspect, each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 6 carbons. In a further aspect, each R¹ is independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.

3. R²Units

In one aspect, R² comprises one or more substituents on a ring having the formula:

wherein each R² is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons. The index k is from 0 to 25 depending upon the number of atoms in ring Y. As such, when k is equal to 0, no R² units are present.

In one aspect, each R² is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 6 carbons. In a further aspect, each R² is independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.

4. Y Units

In one aspect, Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl. Depending upon the choice of Y unit, Y can have the hydrogen atoms that comprise Y be optionally substituted by from 1 to 25R² units as defined herein.

In one aspect, Y is aryl. In one aspect, Y is phenyl. In one aspect, Y is unsubstituted phenyl having the formula:

In a further aspect, Y is substituted phenyl having the formula:

wherein R² represents from 1 to 5 (k is from 1 to 5) substitutions for a phenyl ring hydrogen atom. Non-limiting examples of this aspect include 2-fluorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-cyanophenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 2-aminophenyl, 3-aminophenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl, and 4-trifluoromethylphenyl.

Further non-limiting examples include 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 2,6-difluorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,5-difluorophenyl, 2,3-dichloro-phenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dichlorophenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 2,3-dibromophenyl, 2,4-dibromophenyl, 2,5-dibromophenyl, 2,6-dibromo-phenyl, 3,4-dibromophenyl, 3,5-dibromophenyl, 2,3-diiodophenyl, 2,4-diiodophenyl, 2,5-diiodophenyl, 2,6-diiodophenyl, 3,4-diiodophenyl, 3,5-diiodophenyl, 2,3-dimethylphenyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 3,4-dimethylphenyl, 3,5-dimethyl-phenyl, 2,3-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,6-dimethoxy-phenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,3-dicyanophenyl, 2,4-dicyanophenyl, 2,5-dicyanophenyl, 2,6-dicyanophenyl, 3,4-dicyanophenyl, 3,5-dicyanophenyl, 2,3-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,4-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,5-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 2,6-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,4-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl.

In a further aspect, Y is heteroaryl, C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl. In one aspect, Y is a 5-member ring having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Non-limiting examples of 5-member rings include:

i) a pyrrolidinyl ring having the formula;

ii) a pyrrolyl ring having the formula:

iii) a 4,5-dihydroimidazolyl ring having the formula:

iv) a pyrazolyl ring having the formula:

v) an imidazolyl ring having the formula:

vi) a [1,2,3]triazolyl ring having the formula:

vii) a [1,2,4]triazolyl ring having the formula:

viii) tetrazolyl ring having the formula:

ix) a [1,3,4] or [1,2,4]oxadiazolyl ring having the formula:

x) a pyrrolidinonyl ring having the formula:

xi) an imidazolidinonyl ring having the formula:

xii) an imidazol-2-only ring having the formula:

xiii) an oxazolyl ring having the formula:

xiv) an isoxazolyl ring having the formula:

xv) a dihydrothiazolyl ring having the formula:

xvi) a furanly ring having the formula:

xvii) a thiophenyl having the formula:

In a further aspect, Y is a substituted 5-member ring having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Non-limiting examples of substituted 5-member rings include:

i) a substituted pyrrolidinyl ring having the formula:

ii) a substituted pyrrolyl ring having the formula:

iii) a substituted 4,5-dihydroimidazolyl ring having the formula:

iv) a substituted pyrazolyl ring having the formula:

v) an substituted imidazolyl ring having the formula:

vi) a substituted [1,2,3]triazolyl ring having the formula:

vii) a substituted [1,2,4]triazolyl ring having the formula:

viii) a substituted tetrazolyl ring having the formula:

ix) a substituted [1,3,4] or [1,2,4]oxadiazolyl ring having the formula:

x) a substituted pyrrolidinonyl ring having the formula:

xi) a substituted imidazolidinonyl ring having the formula:

xii) a substituted imidazol-2-only ring having the formula:

xiii) a substituted oxazolyl ring having the formula:

xiv) a substituted isoxazolyl ring having the formula:

xv) a substituted thiazolyl ring having the formula:

xvi) a substituted furanly ring having the formula:

xvii) a substituted thiophenyl having the formula:

In a further aspect, Y is a 6-member ring having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and from 1 to 5 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Non-limiting examples of 6-member rings include:

i) a morpholinyl ring having the formula:

ii) a piperidinyl ring having the formula:

iii) a pyridinyl ring having the formula:

iv) a pyrimidinyl ring having the formula:

v) a piperazinyl ring having the formula:

vi) a triazinyl ring having the formula:

and

vii) a pyran ring having the formula:

In a yet further aspect, Y is a substituted 6-member ring having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms and from 1 to 5 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Non-limiting examples of substituted 6-member rings include:

i) a substituted morpholinyl ring having the formula:

ii) a substituted piperidinyl ring having the formula:

iii) a substituted pyridinyl ring having the formula:

iv) a substituted pyrimidinyl ring having the formula:

v) a substituted piperazinyl ring having the formula:

and

vi) a substituted triazinyl ring having the formula:

In a further aspect, Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl. In one aspect, Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, for example, a ring represented by a formula:

In a further aspect, Y is a substituted C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, wherein from 1 to 23 hydrogen atoms on a ring can be substituted with an R² unit, for example, a ring represented by a formula:

In a further aspect, Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl, for example, a ring represented by a formula:

In a yet further aspect, Y is a substituted C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl, wherein from 1 to 21 hydrogen atoms on a ring can be substituted with an R² unit, for example, a ring represented by a formula:

5. Z Units

In one aspect, Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene. Depending upon the choice of Z unit, Z can be optionally substituted by from 1 to 24R¹ units as defined herein.

In one aspect, Z is arylene. In one aspect, Z is 1,4-phenylene. In one aspect, Z is unsubstituted 1,4-phenylene having the formula:

In a further aspect, Z is substituted 1,4-phenylene having the formula:

wherein R¹ represents from 1 to 4 (m is from 1 to 4) substitutions for a phenylene ring hydrogen atom. Non-limiting examples of this aspect includes 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2-chloro-1,4-phenylene, 3-chloro-1,4-phenylene, 2-bromo-1,4-phenylene, 3-bromo-1,4-phenylene, 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 2-methoxy-1,4-phenylene, 3-methoxy-1,4-phenylene, 4-methoxy-1,4-phenylene, 2-cyano-1,4-phenylene, 3-cyano-1,4-phenylene, 2-amino-1,4-phenylene, 3-amino-1,4-phenylene, 2-trifluoromethyl-1,4-phenylene, and 3-trifluoromethyl-1,4-phenylene.

Further non-limiting examples include 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-dichloro-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-dichloro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-dichloro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dichloro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-dibromo-1,4-phenylene, 2,4-dibromo-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-dibromo-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dibromo-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-diiodo-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-diiodo-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-diiodo-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-diiodo-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-dicyano-1,4-phenylene, 2,4-dicyano-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-dicyano-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-dicyano-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dicyano-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-di(trifluoromethyl)-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-di(trifluoromethyl)-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-di(trifluoromethyl)-1,4-phenylene, 3,4-di(trifluoromethyl)-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)-1,4-phenylene.

In a further aspect, Z is 1,3-phenylene. In one aspect, Z is unsubstituted 1,3-phenylene having the formula:

In a further aspect, Z is substituted 1,3-phenylene having the formula:

wherein R¹ represents from 1 to 4 (m is from 1 to 4) substitutions for a phenylene ring hydrogen atom. Non-limiting examples of this aspect includes 2-fluoro-1,3-phenylene, 4-fluoro-1,3-phenylene, 5-fluoro-1,3-phenylene, 6-fluoro-1,3-phenylene, 2-chloro-1,3-phenylene, 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene, 5-chloro-1,3-phenylene, 6-chloro-1,3-phenylene, 2-bromo-1,3-phenylene, 4-bromo-1,3-phenylene, 5-bromo-1,3-phenylene, 6-bromo-1,3-phenylene, 2-iodo-1,3-phenylene, 4-iodo-1,3-phenylene, 5-iodo-1,3-phenylene, 6-iodo-1,3-phenylene, 2-methyl-1,3-phenylene, 4-methyl-1,3-phenylene, 5-methyl-1,3-phenylene, 6-methyl-1,3-phenylene, 2-methoxy-1,3-phenylene, 4-methoxy-1,3-phenylene, 5-methoxy-1,3-phenylene, 6-methoxy-1,3-phenylene, 2-cyano-1,3-phenylene, 4-cyano-1,3-phenylene, 5-cyano-1,3-phenylene, 6-cyano-1,3-phenylene, 2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-phenylene, 4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-phenylene, 5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-phenylene, and 6-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-phenylene.

In a further aspect, Z is heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene. In one aspect, Z is 1,4 connected 6-member heteroarylene, heterocycloalkylene, heterocycloalkenylene ring. In one aspect, Z is an unsubstituted 6-member ring comprising 4 or 5 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, non-limiting examples of which include the Z units represented by a formula:

In a further aspect of this aspect, Z is a substituted 6-member ring comprising 4 or 5 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, non-limiting examples of which include the Z units represented by a formula:

In a further aspect, Z is heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene. In one aspect, Z is 1,3 connected 6-member heteroarylene, heterocycloalkylene, heterocycloalkenylene ring. In one aspect, Z is an unsubstituted 6-member ring comprising 4 or 5 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, non-limiting examples of which include the Z units represented by a formula

In a further aspect of this aspect, Z is a substituted 6-member ring comprising 4 or 5 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, non-limiting examples of which include the Z units represented by a formula:

In a yet further aspect, Z is cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene, for example,

or a substituted cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene, for example,

In a further aspect, Z is of the formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴.

The analogs (compounds) of the present disclosure are arranged into several categories to assist the formulator in applying a rational synthetic strategy for the preparation of analogs which are not expressly exampled herein. The arrangement into categories does not imply increased or decreased efficacy for any of the compositions of matter described herein.

C. METHODS OF MAKING THE COMPOUNDS

In various aspects, the disclosed compounds can be prepared by employing reactions as shown in the following schemes, in addition to other standard manipulations that are known in the literature, exemplified in the experimental sections or clear to one skilled in the art. For clarity, examples having a single substituent are shown where multiple substituents are allowed under the definitions disclosed herein.

The disclosed compounds can be prepared according to various methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The following Schemes, as well as those disclosed in the Experimental Section below, are examples.

Alternatively, the following procedure is an example of one that can be used to make embodiments of the present invention:

In a further aspect, the invention relates to methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24, reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein X is hydroxyl or a leaving group; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, and combining the product of the reaction step with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24, reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein X is hydroxyl or a leaving group; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, wherein the product of the reaction step is a disclosed compound.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; and wherein each X is independently a leaving group, and combining the product of the reaction step with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for making a compound comprising the steps of providing an amine compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25, and reacting the amine compound with an electrophilic compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; and wherein each X is independently a leaving group, wherein the product of the reaction step is a disclosed compound.

In certain aspects, the leaving group is halogen. In certain aspects, providing is reduction of a nitro compound to yield the amine compound. In certain aspects, providing is cleavage of an amide compound to yield the amine compound. In certain aspects, providing is cleavage of the amine compound from a solid support. In certain aspects, providing is hydrolysis to yield the amine compound.

D. PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

In one aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the disclosed compounds. That is, a pharmaceutical composition can be provided comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one disclosed compound or at least one product of a disclosed method and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In certain aspects, the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions comprise the disclosed compounds (including pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s) thereof) as an active ingredient, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and, optionally, other therapeutic ingredients or adjuvants. The instant compositions include those suitable for oral, rectal, topical, and parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous) administration, although the most suitable route in any given case will depend on the particular host, and nature and severity of the conditions for which the active ingredient is being administered. The pharmaceutical compositions can be conveniently presented in unit dosage form and prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases or acids. When the compound of the present invention is acidic, its corresponding salt can be conveniently prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases, including inorganic bases and organic bases. Salts derived from such inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper (-ic and -ous), ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganese (-ic and -ous), potassium, sodium, zinc and the like salts. Particularly preferred are the ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium salts. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, as well as cyclic amines and substituted amines such as naturally occurring and synthesized substituted amines. Other pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases from which salts can be formed include ion exchange resins such as, for example, arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic acids” includes inorganic acids, organic acids, and salts prepared therefrom, for example, acetic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, camphorsulfonic, citric, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, gluconic, glutamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic, lactic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, mucic, nitric, pamoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, succinic, sulfuric, tartaric, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like. Preferred are citric, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, maleic, phosphoric, sulfuric, and tartaric acids.

In practice, the compounds of the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, of this invention can be combined as the active ingredient in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques. The carrier can take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration, e.g., oral or parenteral (including intravenous). Thus, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be presented as discrete units suitable for oral administration such as capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient. Further, the compositions can be presented as a powder, as granules, as a solution, as a suspension in an aqueous liquid, as a non-aqueous liquid, as an oil-in-water emulsion or as a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. In addition to the common dosage forms set out above, the compounds of the invention, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s) thereof, can also be administered by controlled release means and/or delivery devices. The compositions can be prepared by any of the methods of pharmacy. In general, such methods include a step of bringing into association the active ingredient with the carrier that constitutes one or more necessary ingredients. In general, the compositions are prepared by uniformly and intimately admixing the active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both. The product can then be conveniently shaped into the desired presentation.

Thus, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compounds of the invention. The compounds of the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, can also be included in pharmaceutical compositions in combination with one or more other therapeutically active compounds. The pharmaceutical carrier employed can be, for example, a solid, liquid, or gas. Examples of solid carriers include lactose, terra alba, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid. Examples of liquid carriers are sugar syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, and water. Examples of gaseous carriers include carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

In preparing the compositions for oral dosage form, any convenient pharmaceutical media can be employed. For example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like can be used to form oral liquid preparations such as suspensions, elixirs and solutions; while carriers such as starches, sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents, and the like can be used to form oral solid preparations such as powders, capsules and tablets. Because of their ease of administration, tablets and capsules are the preferred oral dosage units whereby solid pharmaceutical carriers are employed. Optionally, tablets can be coated by standard aqueous or nonaqueous techniques

A tablet containing the composition of this invention can be prepared by compression or molding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients or adjuvants. Compressed tablets can be prepared by compressing, in a suitable machine, the active ingredient in a free-flowing form such as powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, surface active or dispersing agent. Molded tablets can be made by molding in a suitable machine, a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can comprise a compound of the invention (or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof) as an active ingredient, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents or adjuvants. The instant compositions include compositions suitable for oral, rectal, topical, and parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous) administration, although the most suitable route in any given case will depend on the particular host, and nature and severity of the conditions for which the active ingredient is being administered. The pharmaceutical compositions can be conveniently presented in unit dosage form and prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention suitable for parenteral administration can be prepared as solutions or suspensions of the active compounds in water. A suitable surfactant can be included such as, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and mixtures thereof in oils. Further, a preservative can be included to prevent the detrimental growth of microorganisms.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions. Furthermore, the compositions can be in the form of sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of such sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. In all cases, the final injectable form must be sterile and must be effectively fluid for easy syringability. The pharmaceutical compositions must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage; thus, preferably should be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol and liquid polyethylene glycol), vegetable oils, and suitable mixtures thereof.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be in a form suitable for topical use such as, for example, an aerosol, cream, ointment, lotion, dusting powder, mouth washes, gargles, and the like. Further, the compositions can be in a form suitable for use in transdermal devices. These formulations can be prepared, utilizing a compound of the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, via conventional processing methods. As an example, a cream or ointment is prepared by mixing hydrophilic material and water, together with about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % of the compound, to produce a cream or ointment having a desired consistency.

Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be in a form suitable for rectal administration wherein the carrier is a solid. It is preferable that the mixture forms unit dose suppositories. Suitable carriers include cocoa butter and other materials commonly used in the art. The suppositories can be conveniently formed by first admixing the composition with the softened or melted carrier(s) followed by chilling and shaping in moulds.

In addition to the aforementioned carrier ingredients, the pharmaceutical formulations described above can include, as appropriate, one or more additional carrier ingredients such as diluents, buffers, flavoring agents, binders, surface-active agents, thickeners, lubricants, preservatives (including anti-oxidants) and the like. Furthermore, other adjuvants can be included to render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient. Compositions containing a compound of the invention, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, can also be prepared in powder or liquid concentrate form.

A potentiated amount of an mGluR agonist to be administered in combination with an effective amount of a disclosed compound is expected to vary from about 0.1 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day (mg/kg/day) to about 100 mg/kg/day and is expected to be less than the amount that is required to provide the same effect when administered without an effective amount of a disclosed compound. Preferred amounts of a co-administered mGluR agonist are able to be determined by one skilled in the art.

In the treatment conditions which require potentiation of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity an appropriate dosage level will generally be about 0.01 to 500 mg per kg patient body weight per day and can be administered in single or multiple doses. Preferably, the dosage level will be about 0.1 to about 250 mg/kg per day; more preferably 0.5 to 100 mg/kg per day. A suitable dosage level can be about 0.01 to 250 mg/kg per day, about 0.05 to 100 mg/kg per day, or about 0.1 to 50 mg/kg per day. Within this range the dosage can be 0.05 to 0.5, 0.5 to 5.0 or 5.0 to 50 mg/kg per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the from of tablets containing 1.0 to 1000 miligrams of the active ingredient, particularly 1.0, 5.0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 750, 800, 900 and 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage of the patient to be treated. The compound can be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day, preferably once or twice per day. This dosing regimen can be adjusted to provide the optimal therapeutic response.

It is understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors. Such factors include the age, body weight, general health, sex, and diet of the patient. Other factors include the time and route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the type and severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy.

The disclosed pharmaceutical compositions can further comprise other therapeutically active compounds, which are usually applied in the treatment of the above mentioned pathological conditions.

It is understood that the disclosed compositions can be prepared from the disclosed compounds. It is also understood that the disclosed compositions can be employed in the disclosed methods of using.

Further disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the disclosed mGluR4 potentiators and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include those that contain one or more other active ingredients, in addition to a compound of the present invention.

The above combinations include combinations of a disclosed compound not only with one other active compound, but also with two or more other active compounds. Likewise, disclosed compounds may be used in combination with other drugs that are used in the prevention, treatment, control, amelioration, or reduction of risk of the diseases or conditions for which disclosed compounds are useful. Such other drugs may be administered, by a route and in an amount commonly used therefor, contemporaneously or sequentially with a compound of the present invention. When a compound of the present invention is used contemporaneously with one or more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition containing such other drugs in addition to the compound of the present invention is preferred. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include those that also contain one or more other active ingredients, in addition to a compound of the present invention.

The weight ratio of the compound of the present invention to the second active ingredient can be varied and will depend upon the effective dose of each ingredient. Generally, an effective dose of each will be used. Thus, for example, when a compound of the present invention is combined with another agent, the weight ratio of the compound of the present invention to the other agent will generally range from about 1000:1 to about 1:1000, preferably about 200:1 to about 1:200. Combinations of a compound of the present invention and other active ingredients will generally also be within the aforementioned range, but in each case, an effective dose of each active ingredient should be used.

In such combinations the compound of the present invention and other active agents may be administered separately or in conjunction. In addition, the administration of one element can be prior to, concurrent to, or subsequent to the administration of other agent(s).

Accordingly, the subject compounds can be used alone or in combination with other agents which are known to be beneficial in the subject indications or other drugs that affect receptors or enzymes that either increase the efficacy, safety, convenience, or reduce unwanted side effects or toxicity of the disclosed compounds. The subject compound and the other agent may be coadministered, either in concomitant therapy or in a fixed combination.

In one aspect, the compound can be employed in combination with anti-Alzheimer's agents, beta-secretase inhibitors, gamma-secretase inhibitors, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, NSAID's (non-sterodial anti-imflammatory drugs) including ibuprofen, vitamin E, and anti-amyloid antibodies. In a further aspect, the subject compound may be employed in combination with sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, cyclopyrrolones, imidazopyridines, pyrazolopyrimidines, minor tranquilizers, melatonin agonists and antagonists, melatonergic agents, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, 5HT-2 antagonists, and the like, such as: adinazolam, allobarbital, alonimid, alprazolam, amisulpride, amitriptyline, amobarbital, amoxapine, aripiprazole, bentazepam, benzoctamine, brotizolam, bupropion, busprione, butabarbital, butalbital, capuride, carbocloral, chloral betaine, chloral hydrate, clomipramine, clonazepam, cloperidone, clorazepate, chlordiazepoxide, clorethate, chlorpromazine, clozapine, cyprazepam, desipramine, dexclamol, diazepam, dichloralphenazone, divalproex, diphenhydramine, doxepin, estazolam, ethchlorvynol, etomidate, fenobam, flunitrazepam, flupentixol, fluphenazine, flurazepam, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, fosazepam, glutethimide, halazepam, haloperidol, hydroxyzine, imipramine, lithium, lorazepam, lormetazepam, maprotiline, mecloqualone, melatonin, mephobarbital, meprobamate, methaqualone, midaflur, midazolam, nefazodone, nisobamate, nitrazepam, nortriptyline, olanzapine, oxazepam, paraldehyde, paroxetine, pentobarbital, perlapine, perphenazine, phenelzine, phenobarbital, prazepam, promethazine, propofol, protriptyline, quazepam, quetiapine, reclazepam, risperidone, roletamide, secobarbital, sertraline, suproclone, temazepam, thioridazine, thiothixene, tracazolate, tranylcypromaine, trazodone, triazolam, trepipam, tricetamide, triclofos, trifluoperazine, trimetozine, trimipramine, uldazepam, venlafaxine, zaleplon, ziprasidone, zolazepam, Zolpidem, and salts thereof, and combinations thereof, and the like, or the subject compound may be administered in conjunction with the use of physical methods such as with light therapy or electrical stimulation.

In a further aspect, the compound can be employed in combination with levodopa (with or without a selective extracerebral decarboxylase inhibitor such as carbidopa or benserazide), anticholinergics such as biperiden (optionally as its hydrochloride or lactate salt) and trihexyphenidyl (benzhexyl)hydrochloride, COMT inhibitors such as entacapone, MOA-B inhibitors, antioxidants, A2a adenosine receptor antagonists, cholinergic agonists, NMDA receptor antagonists, serotonin receptor antagonists and dopamine receptor agonists such as alentemol, bromocriptine, fenoldopam, lisuride, naxagolide, pergolide and pramipexole. It will be appreciated that the dopamine agonist may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, for example, alentemol hydrobromide, bromocriptine mesylate, fenoldopam mesylate, naxagolide hydrochloride and pergolide mesylate. Lisuride and pramipexol are commonly used in a non-salt form.

In a further aspect, the compound can be employed in combination with a compound from the phenothiazine, thioxanthene, heterocyclic dibenzazepine, butyrophenone, diphenylbutylpiperidine and indolone classes of neuroleptic agent. Suitable examples of phenothiazines include chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, thioridazine, acetophenazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine and trifluoperazine. Suitable examples of thioxanthenes include chlorprothixene and thiothixene. An example of a dibenzazepine is clozapine. An example of a butyrophenone is haloperidol. An example of a diphenylbutylpiperidine is pimozide. An example of an indolone is molindolone. Other neuroleptic agents include loxapine, sulpiride and risperidone. It will be appreciated that the neuroleptic agents when used in combination with the subject compound may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, for example, chlorpromazine hydrochloride, mesoridazine besylate, thioridazine hydrochloride, acetophenazine maleate, fluphenazine hydrochloride, flurphenazine enathate, fluphenazine decanoate, trifluoperazine hydrochloride, thiothixene hydrochloride, haloperidol decanoate, loxapine succinate and molindone hydrochloride. Perphenazine, chlorprothixene, clozapine, haloperidol, pimozide and risperidone are commonly used in a non-salt form. Thus, the subject compound may be employed in combination with acetophenazine, alentemol, aripiprazole, amisulpride, benzhexyl, bromocriptine, biperiden, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixene, clozapine, diazepam, fenoldopam, fluphenazine, haloperidol, levodopa, levodopa with benserazide, levodopa with carbidopa, lisuride, loxapine, mesoridazine, molindolone, naxagolide, olanzapine, pergolide, perphenazine, pimozide, pramipexole, quetiapine, risperidone, sulpiride, tetrabenazine, trihexyphenidyl, thioridazine, thiothixene, trifluoperazine or ziprasidone.

In one aspect, the compound can be employed in combination with an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety agent, including norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (including tertiary amine tricyclics and secondary amine tricyclics), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (RIMAs), serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) antagonists, α-adrenoreceptor antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists, atypical anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, 5-HTJA agonists or antagonists, especially 5-HT1A partial agonists, and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) antagonists. Specific agents include: amitriptyline, clomipramine, doxepin, imipramine and trimipramine; amoxapine, desipramine, maprotiline, nortriptyline and protriptyline; fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline; isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine and selegiline; moclobemide: venlafaxine; duloxetine; aprepitant; bupropion, lithium, nefazodone, trazodone and viloxazine; alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, chlorazepate, diazepam, halazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam and prazepam; buspirone, flesinoxan, gepirone and ipsapirone, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In the treatment of conditions which require potentiation of mGluR4 activity an appropriate dosage level will generally be about 0.01 to 500 mg per kg patient body weight per day which can be administered in single or multiple doses. Preferably, the dosage level will be about 0.1 to about 250 mg/kg per day; more preferably about 0.5 to about 100 mg/kg per day. A suitable dosage level may be about 0.01 to 250 mg/kg per day, about 0.05 to 100 mg/kg per day, or about 0.1 to 50 mg/kg per day. Within this range the dosage may be 0.05 to 0.5, 0.5 to 5 or 5 to 50 mg/kg per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing 1.0 to 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient, particularly 1.0, 5.0, 10, 15. 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 750, 800, 900, and 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day, preferably once or twice per day. This dosage regimen may be adjusted to provide the optimal therapeutic response. It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular patient may be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the host undergoing therapy.

In one aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

E. METHODS OF USING THE COMPOUNDS AND COMPOSITIONS

mGluR4 belongs to the group III mGluR subfamily and is located in predominantly presynaptic locations in the central nervous system where it is functions as an auto- and heteroreceptor to regulate the release of both GABA and glutamate. In addition, mGluR4 is also expressed at a low level in some postsynaptic locations. mGluR4 is expressed in most brain regions, particularly in neurons known to play key roles in the following functions of the CNS:

a) learning and memory;

b) regulation of voluntary movement and other motor functions

c) motor learning

d) emotional responses

e) habit formation, including repetitive tasks and preservative thought processes reward systems

g) vision and olfaction

h) cerebellar functions;

i) feeding and the regulation of hypothalamic hormones; and

j) sleep and wakefulness.

As such, mGluR4 plays a major role in the modulation of CNS-related diseases, syndromes and non-CNS related diseases or conditions the like, for example,

-   -   a) Parkinson's disease, parkinsonism, and other disorders         involving akinesia or bradykinesia     -   b) Dystonia     -   c) Huntington's diseases and other disorders involving         involuntary movements and dyskinesias     -   d) Tourette's syndrome and related ticking disorders     -   e) Obsessive/compulsive disorder and other preservative         behavioral disorders     -   f) Addictive disorders (including drug abuse, eating disorders,         and)     -   g) Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

h) Posttraumatic stress disorder

i) Anxiety disorders;

c) motor effects after alcohol consumption or other drug-induced motor disorders;

d) neurogenic fate commitment and neuronal survival;

e) epilepsy;

f) certain cancers, for example, medulloblastoma;

g) type 2 diabetes, and/or other metabolic disorders; and

h) taste enhancement/blockade.

The disclosed compounds can act as potentiators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor activity (mGluR4). Therefore, in one aspect, the disclosed compounds can be used to treat one or more mGluR4 associated disorders that result in dysfunction in a mammal

The disclosed compounds can be used as single agents or in combination with one or more other drugs in the treatment, prevention, control, amelioration or reduction of risk of the aforementioned diseases, disorders and conditions for which compounds of formula I or the other drugs have utility, where the combination of drugs together are safer or more effective than either drug alone. The other drug(s) can be administered by a route and in an amount commonly used therefore, contemporaneously or sequentially with a disclosed compound. When a disclosed compound is used contemporaneously with one or more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition in unit dosage form containing such drugs and the disclosed compound is preferred. However, the combination therapy can also be administered on overlapping schedules. It is also envisioned that the combination of one or more active ingredients and a disclosed compound will be more efficacious than either as a single agent.

1. Treatment Methods

The compounds disclosed herein are useful for treating, preventing, ameliorating, controlling or reducing the risk of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction. Thus, provided is a method of treating or preventing a disorder in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject at least one disclosed compound; at least one disclosed pharmaceutical composition; and/or at least one disclosed product in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the subject.

Also provided is a method for the treatment of one or more neurological and/or psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject at least one disclosed compound; at least one disclosed pharmaceutical composition; and/or at least one disclosed product in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the subject.

Examples of disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction include: acute and chronic neurological and psychiatric disorders such as cerebral deficits subsequent to cardiac bypass surgery and grafting, stroke, cerebral ischemia, spinal cord trauma, head trauma, perinatal hypoxia, cardiac arrest, hypoglycemic neuronal damage, dementia (including AIDS-induced dementia), Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's Chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, ocular damage, retinopathy, cognitive disorders, idiopathic and drug-induced Parkinson's disease, muscular spasms and disorders associated with muscular spasticity including tremors, epilepsy, convulsions, migraine (including migraine headache), urinary incontinence, substance tolerance, addictive behavior, including addiction to substances (including opiates, nicotine, tobacco products, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, sedatives, hypnotics, etc.), withdrawal from such addictive substances (including substances such as opiates, nicotine, tobacco products, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, sedatives, hypnotics, etc.), obesity, psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety (including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder), mood disorders (including depression, mania, bipolar disorders), trigeminal neuralgia, hearing loss, tinnitus, macular degeneration of the eye, emesis, brain edema, pain (including acute and chronic pain states, severe pain, intractable pain, neuropathic pain, and post-traumatic pain), tardive dyskinesia, sleep disorders (including narcolepsy), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, taste alteration, and cancer.

Anxiety disorders that can be treated or prevented by the compositions disclosed herein include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Addictive behaviors include addiction to substances (including opiates, nicotine, tobacco products, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, sedatives, hypnotics, etc.), withdrawal from such addictive substances (including substances such as opiates, nicotine, tobacco products, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, sedatives, hypnotics, etc.) and substance tolerance.

Thus, in some aspects of the disclosed method, the disorder is dementia, delirium, amnestic disorders, age-related cognitive decline, schizophrenia, psychosis including schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, substance-related disorder, movement disorders, epilepsy, chorea, pain, migraine, diabetes, dystonia, obesity, eating disorders, brain edema, sleep disorder, narcolepsy, anxiety, affective disorder, panic attacks, unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression.

Also provided is a method for treating or prevention anxiety, comprising: administering to a subject at least one disclosed compound; at least one disclosed pharmaceutical composition; and/or at least one disclosed product in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the subject. At present, the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D.C.), provides a diagnostic tool including anxiety and related disorders. These include: panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, agoraphobia without history of panic disorder, specific phobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety disorder due to a general medical condition, substance-induced anxiety disorder and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for potentiating mGluR4 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject at least one compound at least one compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in a dosage and amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the subject.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods of potentiating mGluR4 activity in at least one cell comprising the step of contacting the at least one cell with at least one compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in an amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the at least one cell.

In certain aspects, a subject, for example a mammal or a human, has been diagnosed with the dysfunction prior to the administering step. In further aspects, a disclosed method can further comprise the step of identifying a subject, for example a mammal or a human, having a need for treatment of a dysfunction. In further aspects, a subject, for example a mammal or a human, has been diagnosed with a need for potentiation of mGluR4 receptor activity prior to the administering step. In further aspects, a disclosed method can further comprise the step of identifying a subject, for example a mammal or a human, having a need for potentiation of mGluR4 receptor activity. In further aspects, a cell (e.g., a mammalian cell or a human cell) has been isolated from a subject, for example a mammal or a human, prior to the contacting step. In further aspects, contacting is via administration to a subject, for example a mammal or a human.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for potentiating mGluR4 activity in at least one cell comprising the step of contacting the at least one cell with at least one disclosed compound in an amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the at least one cell.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for potentiating mGluR4 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one disclosed compound in a dosage and amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the subject.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for the treatment of a disorder associated with mGluR4 neurotransmission dysfunction or other disease state in a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal at least one disclosed compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the mammal

The disclosed compounds can be used to treat a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders and other disease states associated with glutamate dysfunction. Non-limiting examples of these diseases includes movement disorders, including akinesias and akinetic-rigid syndromes (including Parkinson's disease), dystonia, epilepsy, chorea, neurogenerative diseases such as dementia, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, pain, migraines, diabetes, obesity and eating disorders, sleep disorders including narcolepsy, and anxiety or affective disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, and related disorders, cognitive disorders including dementia (associated with Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, trauma, stroke, HIV disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and other general medical conditions or substance abuse), delirium, amnestic disorders, age-related cognitive decline, schizophrenia or psychosis including schizophrenia (paranoid, disorganized, catatonic or undifferentiated), schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, substance-related disorder, cancer and inflammation (including MS). Of the disorders above, the treatment of Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, cognitive disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and pain are of particular importance.

In one aspect, the disclosed compounds can be used to treat, or can be a component of a pharmaceutical composition used to treat movement disorders. As such, disclosed herein in a method for treating a movement disorder, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of treatment at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the mammal, wherein the disorder is selected from Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, dystonia, Wilson's disease, chorea, ataxia, ballism, akathesia, athetosis, bradykinesia, ridigity, postural instability, inherited ataxias such as Friedreich's ataxia, Machado-Joseph disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, essential tremor, cerebral palsy, stroke, encephalopathies, and intoxication.

In a further aspect, the disclosed compounds can be used to treat, or can be a component of a pharmaceutical composition used to treat cognitive disorders. As such, disclosed herein in a method for treating a cognitive disorder, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of treatment at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the mammal, wherein the disorder is selected from dementia (associated with Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, trauma, stroke, HIV disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and other general medical conditions or substance abuse), delirium, amnestic disorders and age-related cognitive decline. The fourth edition (Revised) of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) (2000, American Psychiatric Association, Washington D.C.) provides a diagnostic tool for cognitive disorders including dementia (associated with Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, trauma, stroke, HIV disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and other general medical conditions or substance abuse), delirium, amnestic disorders and age-related cognitive decline.

In a further aspect, the disclosed compounds can be used to treat, or can be a component of a pharmaceutical composition used to neurodegenerative disorders. As such, disclosed herein in a method for treating a neurodegenerative disorder, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of treatment at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat a neurodegenerative disorder in the mammal.

In a still further aspect, the disclosed compounds provide a method for treating schizophrenia or psychosis. As such, disclosed herein in a method for treating a disorder related to schizophrenia or psychosis, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of treatment at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the mammal, wherein the disorder related to schizophrenia or psychosis is selected from paranoid, disorganized, catatonic or undifferentiated, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, substance-induced psychotic disorder. The fourth edition (Revised) of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) (2000, American Psychiatric Association, Washington D.C.) provides a diagnostic tool for c include paranoid, disorganized, catatonic or undifferentiated, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, substance-induced psychotic disorder.

The subject compounds are further useful in the prevention, treatment, control, amelioration or reduction of risk of the aforementioned diseases, disorders and conditions in combination with other agents, including an mGluR agonist.

2. Coadministration Methods

The disclosed compounds may be used as single agents or in combination with one or more other drugs in the treatment, prevention, control, amelioration or reduction of risk of the aforementioned diseases, disorders and conditions for which compounds of formula I or the other drugs have utility, where the combination of drugs together are safer or more effective than either drug alone. The other drug(s) may be administered by a route and in an amount commonly used therefore, contemporaneously or sequentially with a disclosed compound. When a disclosed compound is used contemporaneously with one or more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition in unit dosage form containing such drugs and the compound is preferred. However, the combination therapy can also be administered on overlapping schedules. It is also envisioned that the combination of one or more active ingredients and a disclosed compound can be more efficacious than either as a single agent.

In one aspect, the compounds can be coadministered with anti-Alzheimer's agents, beta-secretase inhibitors, gamma-secretase inhibitors, muscarinic agonists, muscarinic potentiators HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, NSAIDs and anti-amyloid antibodies. In a further aspect, the compounds can be administered in combination with sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), 5-HT2 antagonists, GlyT1 inhibitors and the like such as, but not limited to: risperidone, clozapine, haloperidol, fluoxetine, prazepam, xanomeline, lithium, phenobarbitol, and salts thereof and combinations thereof.

In a further aspect, the subject compound may be used in combination with levodopa (with or without a selective extracerebral decarboxylase inhibitor), anitcholinergics such as biperiden, COMT inhibitors such as entacapone, A2a adenosine antagonists, cholinergic agonists, NMDA receptor antagonists and dopamine agonists.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a drug having a known side-effect of increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a drug known to treat a disorder associated with increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a drug known to treat the neurotransmission dysfunction.

F. METABOTROPIC GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR ACTIVITY

The disclosed compounds and compositions can be evaluated for their ability to act as a potentiator of metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, in particular mGluR4 activity, by any suitable known methodology known in the art. For example, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells transfected with human mGluR4 or HEK cells co-transfected with rat mGluR4 and the G-protein regulated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium channel (GIRK) were plated in clear bottom assay plates for assay in a Hamamatsu FDSS Fluorometric Plate Reader. The cells were loaded with either a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye Fluo-4 or the thallium responsive dye BTC, AM and the plates were washed and placed into a suitablekinetic plate reader. For human mGluR4 assays, a fluorescence baseline was established for 3-5 seconds, the disclosed compounds were then added to the cells, and the response in cells was measured. Approximately two and a half minutes later, a concentration of mGluR4 orthosteric agonist (e.g. glutamate or L-AP4) eliciting approximately 20% (EC20) of the maximal agonist response was added to the cells, and the response was measured. Two minutes later, a concentration of mGluR4 agonist (e.g. glutamate or L-AP4) eliciting 80% (EC80) of the maximal agonist response was added to the cells, and the response was measured. For rat mGluR4/GIRK experiments, a baseline was established for approximately five seconds, disclosed compounds were added, and either an EC20 or EC80 concentration of agonist was added approximately two and one half minutes later. Potentiation of the agonist response of mGluR4 by the disclosed compounds was observed as an increase in response to the EC20 concentration of agonist in the presence of compound compared to the response to agonist in the absence of compound. Similarly, antagonism of the agonist response of mGluR4 by the disclosed compounds was observed as a decrease in response to the EC80 concentration of agonist in the presence of compound compared to the response to agonist in the absence of compound.

The above described assay operated in two modes. In the first mode, a range of concentrations of the disclosed compounds are added to cells, followed by a single fixed concentration of agonist. If the compound acts as a potentiatior, an EC₅₀ value for potentiation and a maximum extent of potentiation by the compound at this concentration of agonist is determined by non-linear curve fitting. If the compound acts as a noncompetitive antagonist, an IC₅₀ value is determined by non-linear curve fitting. In the second mode, several fixed concentrations of the disclosed compounds are added to various wells on a plate, followed by a range in concentrations of agonist for each concentration of disclosed compound. The EC₅₀ values for the agonist at each concentration of compound are determined by non-linear curve fitting. A decrease in the EC₅₀ value of the agonist with increasing concentrations of the sample compound (a leftward shift of the agonist concentration-response curve) is an indication of the degree of mGluR4 potentiation at a given concentration of the sample compound. A decrease in the maximal response of the agonist with increasing concentrations of the sample compounds, with or without a rightward shift in agonist potency, is an indication of the degree of noncompetitive antagonism at mGluR4. The second mode also indicates whether the sample compounds also affect the maximum response to mGluR4 to agonists.

In particular, the compounds of the following examples were found to have activity in potentiating the mGluR4 receptor in the aforementioned assays, generally with an EC₅₀ for potentiation of less than about 10 μM. One aspect of the disclosed compounds have activity in potentiating rat and human mGluR4 receptors with an EC₅₀ for potentiation of less than about 500 nM. These compounds further caused a leftward shift of the agonist EC₅₀ by greater than 3-fold. These compounds are positive allosteric modulators (potentiators) of human and rat mGluR4 and were selective for mGluR4 compared to the other seven subtypes of metabotropic glutamate receptors.

Additionally, certain exemplary disclosed compounds were evaluated for pharmacokinetic efficacy. The results of these measurements are shown in Table 1 and Table 2, below.

TABLE 1 C_(max) (ng/mL or g) T_(max) (hr) AUC₍₀₋₈₎ (ng/mL or g) Compound Plasma Brain Plasma Brain Plasma Brain

1934.12 ±  845.10  983.43 ±  188.76 0.5 0.5  3395.40 ±  2987.05  6295.60 ±  876.30

1466.69 ±  41.05  775.51 ±  90.00 1 1  3276.85 ±  243.85  405.32 ±   98.82

5691.65 ± 1360.85 2842.81 ±  544.93 1 1 20482.26 ±  5179.59 12937.04 ±  2079.74

TABLE 2 Elimination T_(1/2) (hr) CL/F Compound Plasma Brain (mL/min) V/F (L) Log BB

1.67 12.21 46.66 6.7 0.26

1.21 ND 51.16 5.2 −0.9

2.39 3.79 7.16 1.49 −0.19

G. MANUFACTURE OF A MEDICAMENT

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for the manufacture of a medicament for potentiating mGluR4 receptor activity in a mammal comprising combining a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Thus, the disclosed compounds and compositions can be further directed to a method for the manufacture of a medicament for potentiating glutamate receptor activity (e.g., treatment of one or more neurological and/or psychiatric disorder and other disease states associated with glutamate dysfunction) in mammals (e.g., humans) comprising combining one or more disclosed compounds, products, or compositions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

H. USES OF COMPOUNDS

In one aspect, the invention relates to uses of a compound for potentiating mGluR4 receptor activity in a mammal, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

The disclosed uses for potentiating mGluR4 receptor activity in a mammal can further be directed for use in treating one or more disorders, for example neurological and psychiatric disorders and other disease states associated with glutamate dysfunction (e.g., Parkinson's disease) in a subject, for example a mammal or a human.

I. KITS

In one aspect, the invention relates to kits comprising a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, and one or more of a drug having a known side-effect of increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, a drug known to treat a disorder associated with increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, and/or a drug known to treat the neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states.

In various aspects, the kits can comprise disclosed compounds, compositions, and/or products co-packaged, co-formulated, and/or co-delivered with other components. For example, a drug manufacturer, a drug reseller, a physician, or a pharmacist can provide a kit comprising a disclosed oral dosage forms and another component for delivery to a patient.

In further aspects, the kits can comprise one or more other components (e.g., one or more of a drug having a known side-effect of increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, a drug known to treat a disorder associated with increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, and/or a drug known to treat the neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states) and instructions for coadministration to a patient with one or more disclosed compounds, compositions, and/or products. For example, a drug manufacturer, a drug reseller, a physician, or a pharmacist can provide a kit comprising one or more other components (e.g., one or more of a drug having a known side-effect of increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, a drug known to treat a disorder associated with increasing metabotropic glutamate receptor activity, and/or a drug known to treat the neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states) and instructions for coadministration to a patient with one or more disclosed compounds, compositions, and/or products.

J. EXPERIMENTAL

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, articles, devices and/or methods claimed herein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° C. or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Several methods for preparing the compounds of this invention are illustrated in the following Examples. Starting materials and the requisite intermediates are in some cases commercially available, or can be prepared according to literature procedures or as illustrated herein. All NMR spectra were recorded on either a Varian Inova 400 (400 MHz) or Varian Inova 500 (500 MHz) spectrophotometer. ¹H chemical shifts are reported in δ values in ppm downfield from Me₄Si as the internal standard in CDCl₃. Data are reported as follows: chemical shift, multiplicity (s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, br=broad, m=multiplet), integration, coupling constant (Hz). ¹³C chemical shifts are reported in 6 values in ppm with the CDCl₃ carbon peak set to 77.23 ppm. Low resolution mass spectra were obtained on an HP1100 MSD with electrospray ionization. High resolution mass spectra were recorded on a Bruker Daltonics 3T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT/ICR) with electrospray ionization. Analytical thin layer chromatography was performed on EM Reagent 0.25 mm silica gel 60-F plates. Analytical HPLC was performed on an HP1100 with UV detection at 214 and 254 nm along with ELSD detection, LC/MS (J-Sphere80-C18, 3.0×50 mm, 4.1 min gradient, 5%[0.05% TFA/CH₃CN]:95%[0.05% TFA/H₂O] to 100% [0.05% TFA/CH₃CN]. Preparative purification was performed on a custom HP1100 purification system (reference 16) with collection triggered by mass detection. Solvents for extraction, washing and chromatography were HPLC grade. N-Boc-p-phenylenediamine was purchased from Fluka and 1,2-benzenedisulfonyl dichloride was purchased from TCI America. All other reagents were purchased from Aldrich Chemical Co. and were used without purification or characterization.

Embodiments of the present invention can be made according to the following exemplary Scheme 1.

In the above scheme, X is C or N.

The following are general procedures in connection with exemplary Scheme 1:

tert-butyl (4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)carbamate

A solution of N-Boc-p-phenylenediamine (0.68 g, 3.26 mmol) and Et₃N (0.51 mL, 7.19 mmol) in dry DCM (29 mL) was added to a refluxing solution of 1,2-benzenedisulfonyl dichloride (0.90 g, 3.27 mmol) in DCM (135 mL). After the addition was complete, the reaction solution was maintained at reflux for an additional 2 h. The heat was removed and after 16 h at rt, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue of the crude reaction mixture was dissolved in DCM and washed with saturated NaHCO₃, brine, and dried. After filtration and concentration under reduced pressure yielding tert-butyl (4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)carbamate, 1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.11-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.99-7.96 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.55 (m, 4H), 6.66 (br s, 1H), 1.54 (s, 9H).

2-(4-aminophenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]thiazole-1,1,3,3-tetraoxide

To a solution of tert-butyl (4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yflphenyl)carbamate, 1. (3.26 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise 4N HCl in dioxane (20 mL). After 15 min, the ice bath was removed. Once the starting material was no longer evident by TLC, the solvent was removed affording the 2-(4-aminopheyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]thiazole-1,1,3,3-tetraoxide HCl salt, 3, which was taken through to the amide formation step.

LCMS: 98%@214 nM, m/z=311.0 [M+H]⁺

¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 8.55-8.51 (m, 2H), 8.21-8.17 (m, 2H), 7.17-7.15 (m, 2H), 6.75-6.73 (m, 2H).

Amide formation from acid chloride, Procedure 1. To each of the reaction test tubes was added a solution of the HCl salt (3) (1.0 equivalent) in DCM:DIEA (4:1) (1 mL, 0.1 M). The appropriate acid chloride (1.0 equivalent) was added and after 12 h at rt, the desired analogs were directly purified by mass-directed preparative HPLC.

Amide Formation from carboxylic acid, Procedure 2. To each of the reaction test tubes with the appropriate carboxylic acid (1.0 equivalent) in dry 1,4-dioxane:DMF:DIEA (2:2:1, 0.3M) at room temperature was charged with HOBt (1.0 equivalent) and EDCI (1.5 equivalents). After 15 min, the HCl salt (3, 1.0 equivalent) was added and the heterogeneous mixture was heated to 50° C. After 12 h, the reaction mixture was added to EtOAc:water (1:1). The organic layer was separated and sequentially washed with water, brine and dried. The residue was purified by mass-directed preparative HPLC.

Example 1

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)benzamide

Following the above general procedure 1, N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)benzamide was obtained as an tan solid:

LCMS: R_(T)=3.08 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=415.1 [M+H]⁺

¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 10.65 (br s, 1H), 8.61-8.58 (m, 2H), 8.25-8.22 (m, 2H), 8.10 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.66-7.56 (m, 5H).

HRMS, calc'd for C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₅NaS₂ (M+Na⁺), 437.0242. found 437.0240.

Example 2

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide

Following the above general procedure 1, N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide was obtained as an off-white solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.88 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=405.1 [M+H]⁺

¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 10.57 (br s, 1H), 8.58-8.56 (m, 2H), 8.21-8.19 (m, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 6.73 (dd, J=3.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H).

HRMS, calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃N₂O₆S₂ (M+H⁺), 405.0215. found 405.0205.

Example 3

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide

Following the above General Procedure 1, N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide was obtained as an off-white solid. LCMS: R_(T)=3.24 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=421.1 [M+H]⁺

¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 10.24 (br s, 1H), 8.59-8.57 (m, 2H), 8.23-8.20 (m, 2H), 7.89 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.38-2.33 (m, 1H), 1.85-1.76 (m, 4H), 1.70-1.62 (m, 1H), 1.44-1.38 (m, 2H), 1.30-1.20 (m, 3H).

HRMS, calc'd for C₁₉H₂₁N₂O₅S₂ (M+H⁺), 421.0892. found 421.0895.

Example 4

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide

Following the General Procedure 1, N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide was obtained as an tan solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.07 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=416.1 [M+H]⁺

¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 11.08 (br s, 1H), 8.79 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 8.60-8.59 (m, 2H), 8.24-8.21 (m, 5H), 8.11 (t, J=8.0, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H).

HRMS, calc'd for C₁₈H₁₃N₃O₅NaS₂ (M+Na⁺), 438.0194. found 438.0194.

Example 5

6-Fluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide

Following the General Procedure 2,6-fluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide was obtained as an white solid.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.178 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=434.0 [M+H]⁺¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ 10.90 (br s, 1H), 8.61-8.59 (m, 2H), 8.29 (dd, J=15.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.24-8.22 (m, 2H), 8.20 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.14 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H)

HRMS, calc'd for C₁₈H₁₃N₃O₅FS₂ (M+H⁺), 434.0281. found 434.0281.

Example 6

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)pyrimidine-4-carboxamide

Following the General Procedure 2, N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)pyrimidine-4-carboxamide was obtained.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.804 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=417.1 [M+H]⁺

Example 7

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)thiazole-2-carboxamide Example 8

3-Fluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide

Following the General Procedure 2,3-fluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide was obtained.

LCMS: >98%@214 nM, m/z=434.1 [M+H]⁺

Example 9

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxamide

Following the General Procedure 2, N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxamide was obtained.

LCMS: R_(T)=3.13 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=423.1 [M+H]⁺

Example 10

N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)thiazole-4-carboxamide

Following the General Procedure 2, N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)thiazole-4-carboxamide was obtained.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.97 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=422.0 [M+H]⁺

Example 11

3,5-Difluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide

Following the General Procedure 1,3,5-difluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide was obtained.

LCMS: R_(T)=2.04 min, >95%@214 nM, m/z=452.0 [M+H]⁺

Example 12

N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide

Following the general Procedure 1,2-(4-amino-3-fluorophenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide (0.07, 0.15 mmol), di-isopropyl ethylamine (0.068 mL, 0.395 mmol), and furan-2-carbonyl chloride (0.016 ml, 0.16 mmol) afforded N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide (0.0 g, %)

LCMS: 99%@254 nM, m/z=423 [M+H]⁺

Example 13

N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide

Following the general Procedure 1,2-(4-amino-3-fluorophenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole-1,1,3,3-tetraoxide (0.07 g, 0.15 mmol), di-isopropyl ethylamine (0.068 mL, 0.395 mmol), and picolinoyl chloride hydrochloride (0.029 g, 0.16 mmol) afforded N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide (0.007 g, 9%)

LCMS: 98%@254 nM, m/z=434 [M+H]⁺

The following is an additional exemplary Scheme for making embodiments of the present invention.

tert-butyl-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoate

Following the General Procedure (Scheme 1), tert-butyl 4-aminobenzoate, 1, (1.0 g, 5.17 mmol), triethylamine (1.8 mL, 12.9 mmol), dichloroethane (75 mL), benzene-1,2-disulfonyl dichloride (1.7 g, 2.88 mmol) and dichloroethane afforded tert-butyl-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoate, 5, (0.39 g, 38%).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 8.6 (m, 2H), 8.2 (m, 2H), 8.2 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H), 7.7 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 1.6 (s, 9H).

4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoic Acid

A solution of tert-butyl-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoate, 5, (0.77 g; 1.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) was treated with trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL) and allowed to stir at ambient temperature for a period of 2 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford 4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoic acid, 6, (0.67 g; 84%). The compound was used without further purification.

4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoyl Chloride

A solution of 4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoic acid (0.39 g; 1.0 mmol) in dichloromethane (6 mL) was treated with oxalyl chloride (1 mL), a drop of DMF, and allowed to stir at ambient temperature for a period of 2 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford 4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoyl chloride, 7, (0.3 g, quant.) which was used without further purification.

Example 14

N-(pyridin-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzamide

Following the general Procedure 1,4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzoyl chloride (0.07 g; 0.15 mmol), diisopropyl ethylamine (0.065 mL, 0.38 mmol), and pyridin-2-amine (0.026 g, 0.28 mmol) afforded N-(pyridin-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzamide.

LCMS: 98%@254 nM, m/z=416 [M+H]⁺

Example 15

N-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzamide

Following the General Procedure 1, N-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2-yl)benzamide was obtained.

LCMS: 98%@214 nM, m/z=434.0 [M+H]⁺

The following is a further exemplary Scheme for making embodiments of the present invention.

4-nitro-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline (10a)

To a solution of 1-fluoro-4-nitrobenzene, 9, (1.06 mL, 10.0 mmol) and DIEA (3.10 mL, 22.0 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine (1.14 mL, 11.0 mmol). The r×n was heated to 70-75° C. After 12 h, the brown solution was added to ethyl acetate:H₂O (1:1, 50 mL). The organic layer was separated and washed with H₂O (2×25 mL) and Brine (25 mL). After drying over MgSO₄, the organic layer was filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (10-100% ethyl acetate:hexanes) to provide, 10a, as a yellow solid (1.40 g, 61% yield): R_(f)=0.25 (50% EtOAc/hexanes)

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.61 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.75 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (d, J=11.8 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H), 6.64 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 5.90 (br s, 1H), 4.56 (s, 2H).

tert-butyl (4-nitrophenyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)carbamate (11a)

To a solution of 4-nitro-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline, 10a, (1.40 g, 6.11 mmol), DMAP (75 mg, 0.61 mmol), DIEA (1.28 mL, 9.17 mmol) in THF (60 mL) was added Boc₂O (2.0 g, 9.17 mmol). The r×n was heated to reflux. After 6 h, TLC shows loss of starting material, so the heat was removed. The r×n was added to EtOAc:H₂O (1:1, 100 mL) and the organic layer separated. The organic phase was washed with Brine (30 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated. The crude residue, 11a, was taken through to the next step without further purification: R_(f)=0.33 (33% EtOAc/hexanes).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.58 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.18-8.14 (m, 2H), 7.76 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.55-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.34 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.26 (m, 1H), 5.10 (s, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H).

tert-butyl (4-aminophenyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)carbamate (12a)

To a solution of tert-butyl (4-nitrophenyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)carbamate, 11a, (0.58 g, 1.76 mmol) in methanol (17 mL) was added Pd/C (50 mg) and an atmosphere of H₂ was applied. After 14 h, the r×n was filtered through a plug of Celite and concentrated. The residue, 12a, was carried on without further purification.

LCMS: R_(T)=0.79 min, >98%@214 nM, m/z=300.0 [M+H]⁺

Example 16

2-(4-((pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amino)phenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole-1,1,3,3-tetraoxide

To a solution of 1,2-benzenedisulfonyl dichloride (72 mg, 0.26 mmol) and DCE (3 mL) at 40° C. was added a solution of tert-butyl (4-aminophenyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)carbamate (78 mg, 0.26 mmol) and DBU (0.09 mL, 0.57 mmol) in dry DCE (2 mL). After 48 h, the heat was removed and the r×n was added to DCM:H₂O (1:1, 5 mL) and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2×5 mL) and the collected organic layers were washed with Brine (5 mL), and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration and concentration under reduced pressure, the residue was purified by preparative HPLC. The pure material was dissolved in DCM (1 mL) and 4M HCl in dioxane (0.5 mL) was added. After 3 h, the solvent was removed to provide 2-(4-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)phenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide as an HCl Salt

LCMS: >98%@214 nM, m/z=401.8 [M+H]⁺

Example 17

2-(4-((1-pyridine-2-yl)cyclopropyl)amino)phenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole-1,1,3,3-tetraoxide

Following the procedure outlined above in Scheme 3,2-(4-((1-pyridine-2-yl)cyclopropyl)amino)phenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole-1,1,3,3-tetraoxide was obtained.

LCMS: R_(T)=1.16 min, >90%@214 nM and >98%@254 nM, m/z=427.8 [M+H]⁺

The following is a further exemplary Scheme for making embodiments of the present invention.

5-nitro-N-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-amine

A mixture of pyridin-2-amine, 9, (0.5 g; 2.5 mmol), 2-bromo-5-nitropyridine, 10, (0.28 g; 2.9 mmol), 1,3-Bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (0.04 g; 0.08 mmol) in toluene was added to a mixture of sodium tert butoxide (0.33 g; 3.5 mmol) and Pd(dba)₃ (0.05 g; 0.05 mmol) in toluene and allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was filtered through a bed of celite and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude mixture was purified on a flash silica gel column (hexane/ethyl acetate) to afford 5-nitro-N-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-amine, 11, (0.25 g; 47%).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 10.8 (s, 1H), 9.1 (d, J=3 Hz, 1H), 8.5 (m, 1H), 8.4 (m, 1H), 8.0 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H), 7.8 (m, 2H), 7.1 (m, 1H).

N-2-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridine-2,5-diamine

5-nitro-N-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-amine, 11, (0.25 g; 1.2 mmol) was dissolved in methanol and ethanol, treated with RaNi (0.05 g) and hydrogenated at 50 PSI H₂ for a 1 hour period. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude N-2-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridine-2,5-diamine, 12, (0.21 g; 98%) was used without further purification.

Example 18

2-(6-(pyridin-2-ylamino)pyridin-3-yl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide

Following the General Procedure (Scheme 1), N-2-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridine-2,5-diamine, 12, (0.21 g; 1.1 mmol) and benzene-1,2-disulfonyl dichloride (0.37 g; 1.4 mmol) afforded 2-(6-(pyridin-2-ylamino)pyridin-3-yl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide.

LCMS: 98%@254 nM, m/z=389 [M+H]⁺

Activity table for the following select compounds:

EC₅₀ Example Name Formula (nM) % GluMax 1 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₅S₂ 203 146 2-yl)phenyl)benzamide 2 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₁₇H₁₂N₂O₆S₂ 50 284 2-yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide 3 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₅S₂ 128 96 2-yl)phenyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide 4 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₂₀H₁₄F₃N₃O₇S₂ 38.1 254 2-yl)phenyl)picolinamide 5 6-Fluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3- C₂₀H₁₃F₄N₃O₇S₂ 179 198 tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2- yl)phenyl)picolinamide 6 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₁₇H₁₂N₄O₅S₂ 286 247 2-yl)phenyl)pyrimidine-4-carboxamide 7 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₁₈H₁₂F₃N₃O₇S₃ 142 216 2-yl)phenyl)thiazole-2-carboxamide 8 3-Fluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3- C₂₀H₁₃F₄N₃O₇S₂ 49.6 69 tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2- yl)phenyl)picolinamide 9 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₁₈H₁₈N₂O₆S₂ 914 166 2-yl)phenyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxamide 10 N-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol- C₁₈H₁₂F₃N₃O₇S₃ 68.8 231 2-yl)phenyl)thiazole-4-carboxamide 11 3,5-Difluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3- C₂₀H₁₂F₅N₃O₇S₂ 1650 195 tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2- yl)phenyl)picolinamide 12 N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,1,3,3- C₁₇H₁₁FN₂O₆S₂ 9130 125 tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2- yl)phenyl)furan-2-carboxamide 13 N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,1,3,3- C₁₈H₁₂FN₃O₅S₂ 739 62 tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2- yl)phenyl)picolinamide 14 N-(pyridin-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3- C20H14F3N3O7S2 113 39 tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2- yl)benzamide 15 5-Fluoro-N-(4-(1,1,3,3- C₂₀H₁₃F₄N₃O₇S₂ 272 84 tetraoxidobenzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazol-2- yl)phenyl)picolinamide 16 2-(4-((pyridine-2- C₂₂H₁₇F₆N₃O₈S₂ 2140 161 ylmethyl)amino)phenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole- 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide 17 2-(4-((1-pyridine-2- C₁₆H₁₁N₃O₅S₃ 134 165 yl)cyclopropyl)amino)phenyl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole- 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide 18 2-(6-(pyridin-2-ylamino)pyridin-3- C16H12N4O4S2 5450 73 yl)benzo[d][1,3,2]dithiazole 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as reaction conditions, and so forth used herein are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be determined by the present invention. 

1. A method for the treatment of a neurotransmission dysfunction and other disease states associated with mGluR4 activity in a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction in the mammal, the compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mammal is a human.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the dysfunction is Parkinson's disease.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the dysfunction is schizophrenia, psychosis, “schizophrenia-spectrum” disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, cognitive disorder, delirium, amnestic disorder, anxiety disorder, attention disorder, obesity, eating disorder, or NMDA receptor-related disorder.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the dysfunction is Parkinson's disease; anxiety; motor effects after alcohol consumption; neurogenic fate commitment and neuronal survival; epilepsy; or certain cancers, for example, medulloblastoma, inflammation (for example, multiple sclerosis) and metabolic disorders (for example, diagetes) and taste enhancing associated with glutamatergic dysfunction and diseases in which mGluR4 receptor is involved.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mammal has been diagnosed with the dysfunction prior to the administering step.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of identifying a mammal having a need for treatment of the dysfunction.
 8. A method for potentiating mGluR4 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject at least one compound at least one compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in a dosage and amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the subject.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the subject is a mammal.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the subject is a human.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with a need for potentiation of mGluR4 receptor activity prior to the administering step.
 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of identifying a subject having a need for potentiation of mGluR4 receptor activity. 13-19. (canceled)
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein R³ is hydrogen.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


22. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


23. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


24. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴; M is NH, CO, or CH₂; and K is NH, CO, CH₂, or cycloalkyl.
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


26. The method of claim 1, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene.
 28. The method of claim 1, wherein Z is heterocyclic.
 29. The method of claim 8, wherein Z is heteroarylene.
 30. The method of claim 8, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene.
 31. The method of claim 8, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 33. The method of claim 1, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene.
 34. The method of claim 1, wherein Y is heterocyclic.
 35. The method of claim 28, wherein Y is heteroarylene.
 36. The method of claim 28, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene.
 37. The method of claim 28, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene.
 38. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁵ to about 1.0×10⁻¹⁰.
 39. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁶.
 40. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁷.
 41. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁸.
 42. The method of claim 1, wherein Y is an optionally substituted ring selected from:


43. The method of claim 1, wherein Y is an optionally substituted ring selected from:


44. The method of claim 1, wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 6 carbons.
 45. The method of claim 1, wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.
 46. The method of claim 1, wherein each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 6 carbons.
 47. The method of claim 1, wherein each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.
 48. The method of claim 1, wherein each R² is independently selected from hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, methyl, cyano, and trifluoromethyl.
 49. The method of claim 1, wherein each R² is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.
 50. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


51. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


52. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


53. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


54. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


55. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


56. A compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; provided that (i) when all of R and R³ are hydrogen and Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl; (ii) when all of R are hydrogen, and either R³ is hydrogen or Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl; (iii) when all of R are hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl; (iv) when R³ is hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl; (v) when Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl; and (vi) Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl. 57-61. (canceled)
 62. The compound of claim 56, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene.
 63. The compound of claim 56, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene.
 64. The compound of claim 56, wherein Z is heterocyclic.
 65. The compound of claim 64, wherein Z is heteroarylene.
 66. The compound of claim 64, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene.
 67. The compound of claim 64, wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene.
 68. The compound of claim 56, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 69. The compound of claim 56, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene.
 70. The compound of claim 56, wherein Y is heterocyclic.
 71. The compound of claim 70, wherein Y is heteroarylene.
 72. The compound of claim 70, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene.
 73. The compound of claim 70, wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene.
 74. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


75. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


76. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


77. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


78. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:

wherein W¹, W², W³, and W⁴ are each independently CH, N, or CR⁴; M is NH, CO, or CH₂; and K is NH, CO, CH₂, or cycloalkyl.
 79. The compound of claim 56, wherein Y is an optionally substituted ring selected from:


80. The compound of claim 56, wherein Y is an optionally substituted ring selected from:


81. The compound of claim 56, wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 6 carbons.
 82. The compound of claim 56, wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.
 83. The compound of claim 56, wherein each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 6 carbons.
 84. The compound of claim 56, wherein each R¹ is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.
 85. The compound of claim 56, wherein each R² is independently selected from hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, methyl, cyano, and trifluoromethyl.
 86. The compound of claim 56, wherein each R² is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, phenyl, and benzyl.
 87. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


88. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


89. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


90. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


91. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


92. The compound of claim 56, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


93. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

wherein R comprises four substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, CONR⁷R⁸, CF₃, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R¹ comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein each R² comprises one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, methoxy, alkoxy, nitrile, nitro, thiol, optionally substituted amino, aryl, heteroaryl, CF₃, NR⁷R⁸, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, CONR⁷R⁸, SO₂NR⁷R⁸, and optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons; wherein R³ comprises hydrogen, optionally substituted organic residue comprising from 1 to 12 carbons, or a hydrolysable residue; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen, halogen, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, CF₃, nitrile, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, nitrile, CF₃; wherein M is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein K is NR³, CR⁵R⁶; wherein Y is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenyl or aryl or heteroaryl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenyl or 3-8 membered ring comprising C, O, S, and/or N; wherein Z is C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkenylene or arylene or heteroarylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkylene or C₃-C₁₂ heterocycloalkenylene; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 25; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 24; and wherein each n is independently an integer from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 94. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, provided when all of R and R³ are hydrogen and Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.
 95. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, provided when all of R are hydrogen, and either R³ is hydrogen or Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.
 96. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, provided when all of R are hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.
 97. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, provided when R³ is hydrogen, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.
 98. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, provided when Z is 1,4-phenylene, Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.
 99. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, provided Y is not furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, 3-trifluorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, or cyclohexyl.
 100. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁵ to about 1.0×10⁻¹⁰.
 101. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁶.
 102. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁷.
 103. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 93, wherein the compound exhibits potentiation of mGluR4 with an EC₅₀ of less than about 1.0×10⁻⁸.
 104. A method for potentiating mGluR4 activity in at least one cell comprising the step of contacting the at least one cell with at least one compound of claim 56 in an amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the at least one cell.
 105. A method for potentiating mGluR4 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 56, in a dosage and amount effective to potentiate mGluR4 receptor activity in the subject.
 106. The method of claim 105, wherein the subject is a mammal.
 107. The method of claim 105, wherein the subject is a human.
 108. The method of claim 105, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with a need for potentiation of mGluR4 receptor activity prior to the administering step.
 109. The method of claim 105, further comprising the step of identifying a subject having a need for potentiation of mGluR4 receptor activity.
 110. A method for the treatment of a disorder associated with mGluR4 disease states including neurotransmission dysfunction in a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal at least one compound of claim 56, in a dosage and amount effective to treat the disorder in the mammal.
 111. The method of claim 110, wherein the disorder is selected from psychosis, schizophrenia, conduct disorder, disruptive behavior disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic episodes of anxiety, anxiety associated with psychosis, psychotic mood disorders such as severe major depressive disorder; mood disorders associated with psychotic disorders, acute mania, depression associated with bipolar disorder, mood disorders associated with schizophrenia, behavioral manifestations of mental retardation, conduct disorder, autistic disorder; movement disorders, Tourette's syndrome, akinetic-rigid syndrome, movement disorders associated with Parkinson's disease, tardive dyskinesia, drug induced and neurodegeneration based dyskinesias, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cognitive disorders, dementias, and memory disorders.
 112. The method of claim 110, wherein the disorder is Parkinson's disease.
 113. The method of claim 110, wherein the disorder is a neurological and/or psychiatric disorder associated with mGluR4 receptor activity dysfunction.
 114. The method of claim 110, wherein the disorder is a neurological or psychiatric disorder associated with mGluR4 neurotransmission dysfunction selected from: schizophrenia, psychosis, “schizophrenia-spectrum” disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, cognitive disorders, delirium, amnestic disorders, anxiety disorders, attention disorders, obesity, eating disorders, and NMDA receptor-related disorders.
 115. The method of claim 110, wherein the mammal is a human.
 116. The method of claim 110, wherein the mammal has been diagnosed with the disorder prior to the administering step.
 117. The method of claim 110, further comprising the step of identifying a mammal having a need for treatment of the disorder. 118.-159. (canceled)
 160. The method of claim 8, wherein R³ is hydrogen.
 161. The method of claim 8, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


162. The method of claim 8, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


163. The method of claim 8, wherein the compound has a structure represented by a formula:


164. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal a drug having a known side-effect of increasing metabotrobic glutamate receptor activity.
 165. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of co-administering to the mammal at least one compound in a dosage and amount effective to treat the dysfunction of the mammal. 